Final answer:
Scientific results are reliable when they are based on empirical evidence, repeated trials, reproducible experiments, and when they are in line with facts or theories. Reliable results must be consistent and results should be replicated for validity.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order for results to be considered reliable, they must be based on empirical evidence, come from repeated trials, originate from a replicable experiment, and align with established facts or theories. A reliable measurement is one that can yield the same results consistently over time when the same methods are applied. This is crucial in the scientific process as it ensures that the findings are trustworthy and not just a result of chance. Scientific research prioritizes empirical evidence, which is data obtained through direct observation or experimentation. Importantly, the replication of an experiment and its results plays a vital role in verifying the validity of scientific findings.
Additionally, scientific explanations must adhere to specific criteria: they need to be testable, capable of being proven wrong, provide measurable results, and not just deliver binary yes or no answers. Lastly, a hypothesis must be a proposed explanation that is subjected to rigorous testing. The results of properly conducted experiments will either support or contradict the hypothesis, and a hypothesis that repeatedly shows agreement with experimental results becomes more accepted as a valid description of reality. A theory in science is a comprehensive explanation supported by a body of evidence from several different experiments.