Question

a scientist hypothesized that oxygen atoms from both carbon dioxide and water are used to make glucose during photosynthesis. however, experimental results using oxygen isotopes showed that all of the oxygen from the water ended up in the oxygen molecules that were produced. none of the oxygen from water was found in glucose. what should the scientist do to best gain scientific understanding of this topic?
analyze the results, and change the experimental methods to retest the hypotheses in a different way.
discard the faulty results that do not support the original hypothesis, and repeat the experiment using the same methods.
analyze the procedural errors that took place in the experiment, and summarize these in a conclusion statement.
repeat the experiment and adjust new data to support the original hypothesis.

Explanation:

In scientific method, when experimental results contradict a hypothesis, the correct approach is to analyze results and modify methods to retest. Discarding results (second option) or adjusting data (fourth option) goes against scientific integrity. Analyzing procedural errors (third option) is premature as there's no indication of error; the results just don't support the hypothesis, so retesting with modified methods is best.

Answer:

A. Analyze the results, and change the experimental methods to retest the hypotheses in a different way.