Final answer:
A scientist must construct a hypothesis, perform controlled experiments, and duplicate results in multiple trials to convince others that a chemical slows plant growth. Referring to past studies showing similar effects can also be supportive.
Step-by-step explanation:
How to Convince Scientists of a Chemical's Effect on Plant Growth
To convince a group of scientists that a particular chemical slows the growth of plants, a scientist should first construct a well-phrased hypothesis. A good hypothesis is based on existing scientific knowledge, logical, simple, testable, and falsifiable. Assuming the hypothesis might be "If plants are exposed to a certain chemical, their growth rate will decrease," the next step would be designing and performing experiments to test this hypothesis under controlled conditions, where variables other than the chemical exposure are kept constant.
After conducting the experiments, it is crucial to duplicate the results in a large number of trials to establish reliability and rule out chance. Only with repeatable results can a scientist make a compelling case for the effect of the chemical on plant growth. Once there is consistent evidence from multiple trials, this will allow for broader acceptance within the scientific community.
Finally, while it is not directly mentioned in the options provided to convince other scientists, it is also beneficial to refer to previous studies or data showing that the chemical in question has growth inhibiting properties. Existing literature can provide supportive context and validate the hypothesis if the findings align.