Question

Suppose the student's data show that the tomato plants that received the least sunlight produced the heaviest tomatoes. However, the plants that received the most sunlight produced tomatoes with the largest volume. What would be the best thing for the student to do next?

Reject his hypothesis completely and assume that sunlight has no effect on tomato size.

Revise his hypothesis to clarify what he means by the size of the tomatoes.

Discard the data that contradict his hypothesis.

Answer 1

Revise his hypothesis to clarify what he means by the size of the tomatoes.

Explanation and recommended next steps:
- “Size” is ambiguous — mass (weight) and volume can give different results. The data show sunlight affects mass and volume differently, not that sunlight has no effect.
- Do not discard data or reject the hypothesis outright. Instead refine the hypothesis to specify the measured variable (e.g., “sunlight increases tomato volume” or “sunlight increases tomato mass”).
- Collect and analyze both mass and volume (and compute density = mass/volume). Run appropriate statistics and repeat the experiment to confirm the pattern.
- Consider possible biological explanations (e.g., differences in water content, tissue density, or sugar accumulation) and control other variables.