Final answer:
A successful outcome of the scientific method is obtaining an answer to the question being investigated, regardless of whether it supports or refutes the hypothesis(option d).
Step-by-step explanation:
A successful outcome for the scientific method is d) An answer to your question.
Whether the hypothesis is supported or rejected by the experimental data, the outcome is considered successful as long as it provides a definitive answer. For instance, if the hypothesis is rejected by the experimental data, this still contributes to the scientific understanding by narrowing down the possibilities and potentially leading to the formation of a new hypothesis. Therefore, the success of the scientific method does not solely rely on the support of the initial hypothesis, but rather on gaining a better understanding of the natural world through systematic investigation and testing.
If the hypothesis is not supported by experimental data, scientists can see this as an opportunity to revise the hypothesis or to propose a new one, thereby progressing in their field of study. Moreover, repeated experiments that align with the hypothesis can increase the likelihood that the hypothesis is an accurate description of nature. However, it is important to note that even supported hypotheses are subject to further testing and potential refutation by new data and research.