Final answer:
To decide if experimental results are worth further investment, scientists should analyze if results have statistical significance, verify replicability by peers, and assess ethical and practical implications for the field.
Step-by-step explanation:
To assess whether experimental results merit further investment of time and resources, scientists should first analyze the data collected using statistical methods to determine if observed differences between the experimental and control groups are statistically significant. A result is considered statistically significant if there is a low probability that the result occurred by chance, typically less than 5% likelihood. If results are statistically significant, it suggests that the experimental intervention had a measurable effect.
Moreover, it is vital for researchers to determine if the findings are replicable. This involves other scientists repeating the study under the same conditions to see if they achieve similar results. Replication reinforces the validity of the findings and can make a strong case for further investment. The research must also pass ethical considerations, and the potential impact on the field should be evaluated.
In summary, a scientist should next look for replication of findings by peers, analyze the statistical significance of the experimental results, and consider the ethical and practical implications of their study.