What part of today's scientific method would spontaneous generation be considered?

Spontaneous generation would be considered a hypothesis within today's scientific method that has been disproven through experimentation and observation. Initially, it was a widely accepted idea that life could arise spontaneously from non-living matter. However, rigorous scientific testing and the principles of biogenesis have shown that life only arises from pre-existing life. Thus, spontaneous generation is no longer a valid scientific theory and serves as a historical lesson in the evolution of scientific thought.