Answer:
b. replicating
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the information provided within the question it seems that Dr. Smith is planning on replicating this study. This is the process or redoing the exact same study/research with the same variables in hope that the results are same as well, which would prove the validity of the study. Which is what Dr. Smith is doing by deciding to conduct a similar study to see if he obtains the same results.