If a scientist performs an experiment, and the results do not support the hypothesis, which of the following conclusions would be the most reasonable for the scientist to draw?

Question

"The hypothesis does not appear to be accurate. Repeating this experiment will help verify this."

"The experiment did not confirm the hypothesis, so we will repeat the experiment until it does."

"The data do not support the hypothesis, so there is probably a problem in the data."

"The data do not support the hypothesis, so there is probably an error in the design of the experiment.

Answer 1

The most reasonable conclusion for the scientist to draw would be:

"The hypothesis does not appear to be accurate. Repeating this experiment will help verify this."

This conclusion acknowledges that the current results do not support the hypothesis without dismissing the possibility of valid data or experimental design flaws. It also suggests that further testing could provide more clarity on the hypothesis's validity. The other options imply a bias toward trying to make the results fit the hypothesis rather than objectively assessing the findings.