A researcher writes a grant proposal to repeat an experiment that was recently published by another researcher. Which of the following statements best supports the grant proposal?

A.

Repeating the published work will provide independent confirmation of the results.

B.

Repeating published work with changed variables will extend the previous results.

C.

Funding this important research will benefit science in the long term.

D.

Funding this grant proposal will allow this laboratory to continue to study this topic.

The best statement to support a grant proposal for repeating an experiment recently published by another researcher is:

A. Repeating the published work will provide independent confirmation of the results.

Explanation:

• A. Repeating the published work will provide independent confirmation of the results: This statement is strong because it emphasizes the value of replication in science. Replication helps verify the reliability and accuracy of the original findings. Independent confirmation is crucial for validating results and ensuring that they are not due to chance or specific to a particular set of conditions.
• B. Repeating published work with changed variables will extend the previous results: This statement is not as relevant to the purpose of replicating an experiment exactly. It focuses on extending the results, which is different from replicating the study to confirm findings.
• C. Funding this important research will benefit science in the long term: While this is a valid point, it is more general and less specific to the rationale for replicating the exact experiment.
• D. Funding this grant proposal will allow this laboratory to continue to study this topic: This statement does not address the specific importance of replication in confirming results. It focuses on the continuation of research rather than the verification of previously published findings.

In summary, the most compelling reason for repeating the experiment is to provide independent confirmation of the results, as this reinforces the credibility and reliability of the original findings.