In terms of the scientific method, the purpose of an experiment is: Test a hypothesis, Develop data, Form a hypothesis, Form a conclusion

Test a hypothesis

Explanation:

An experiment is done to test a hypothesis. An experiment can either prove or disprove a hypothesis. The experiment should be designed in a way that it can be repeated for validity to ensure that the results that come out of it holds true each time.

A hypothesis is made before the experiment is done. Developing data is done through interpretation of the results of an experiment. A conclusion is formed through analysis of the data obtained from an experiment.