Q. 1.39 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Select the correct phrase(s) to complete the following statement: If experimental results do not support your hypothesis, you should: (1.2) 

a. pretend that the experimental results support your hypothesis 

b. modify your hypothesis 

c. do more experiments 

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Part b and part c both are correct.

Part (a) step 1: Given Information

We need to explain the phrase in the given part is fit for the question or not.

Part (a) step 2: Explanation

A. Pretend that the experimental results support your hypothesis
 Remember that an experiment is intended to confirm or reject the hypothesis. Whether or not your theory was disproven, your experiment was a success.
Pretending that the experimental results support your hypothesis is unethical as data manipulation can lead to a false view of a subject leading to the development and testing of incorrect theories. So, the answer is not A.

Part (b) step 1: Given Information

We need to explain the phrase in the given part is fit for the question or not.

Part (b) step 2: Explanation

B. Modify your hypothesis
 Remember that an experiment is intended to confirm or reject the hypothesis. Whether or not your theory was disproven, your experiment was a success.
If your initial hypothesis isn't backed by the experiment, go back to planning and come up with a new response to the question as well as an alternative way to test it. The possibility is limitless, and the quest for knowledge is continuous. So, the answer is B.

Part (c) step 1: Given Information

We need to explain the phrase in the given part is fit for the question or not.

Part (c) step 2: Explanation

C. Do more experiments
 Remember that an experiment is intended to confirm or reject the hypothesis. Whether or not your theory was disproven, your experiment was a success.
Performing more experiments can be suggested to test the theory and see if the results will change by comparing the results from the past experiments. Therefore, the answer is also C .