Scientists know good hypotheses are born from observation. They don't come from experiments, and certainly not by simply sitting under a tree.

A look at most Nobel Prize winners reveals this - they're often awarded to new and better ways of observing, like x-rays, or microwave satelite arrays that see farther, or the discovery of the neutron.

In Social Science, it's called Grounded Hypothesis. You start with open-minded observation, then spot things that warrant further investigation.

Even if you're Newton sitting under a tree. The Eureka moment happens when you observe something, like an apple hitting you on the head.