Which statement about replication is true?

Which statement about replication is true?

• A. It places emphasis on the number of distinct experiments rather than repetition.
• B. It is unnecessary if you have a strong theory.
• C. It only matters for clinical trials.
• D. It helps verify results by performing multiple trials and comparing outcomes.

Answer: (D)

Replication is about verifying findings by repeating experiments and looking for consistent results. This practice helps ensure that findings aren’t due to random error, specific conditions, or a one‑off anomaly, by providing multiple measurements and enabling assessment of variability. It matters across all areas of science, not just clinical trials, because independent repetition strengthens confidence that the observed effect is real. Even a strong theory benefits from replication, since repeated confirmation shows the result is reliable and not a chance occurrence. The statement that replication helps verify results by performing multiple trials and comparing outcomes best captures this idea, while the other notions misrepresent how replication supports robust scientific conclusions.

Replication is about verifying findings by repeating experiments and looking for consistent results. This practice helps ensure that findings aren’t due to random error, specific conditions, or a one‑off anomaly, by providing multiple measurements and enabling assessment of variability. It matters across all areas of science, not just clinical trials, because independent repetition strengthens confidence that the observed effect is real. Even a strong theory benefits from replication, since repeated confirmation shows the result is reliable and not a chance occurrence. The statement that replication helps verify results by performing multiple trials and comparing outcomes best captures this idea, while the other notions misrepresent how replication supports robust scientific conclusions.