Which example best explains why a scientist conducting an investigation does not always follow the steps in the scientific method?

Responses

A scientist may notice that his or her data does not support the hypothesis, so he or she changes the data to match the hypothesis.
A scientist may notice that his or her data does not support the hypothesis, so he or she changes the data to match the hypothesis.

A scientist may change the procedure so it is harder for other scientists to reproduce the results.
A scientist may change the procedure so it is harder for other scientists to reproduce the results.

A scientist may make a hypothesis, but when conducting an experiment, may realize he or she needs to back up and do some more research.
A scientist may make a hypothesis, but when conducting an experiment, may realize he or she needs to back up and do some more research.

A scientist may not document the procedure well the first time, and he or she repeats parts of the investigation..
A scientist may not document the procedure well the first time, and he or she repeats parts of the investigation..

1 answer

The best example that explains why a scientist conducting an investigation does not always follow the steps in the scientific method is:

A scientist may make a hypothesis, but when conducting an experiment, may realize he or she needs to back up and do some more research.

This option highlights the iterative nature of scientific research, where scientists often need to modify their approach or gather additional information based on their observations and findings during the investigation. It emphasizes the dynamic process of inquiry rather than a strict linear progression through the steps of the scientific method.