Final answer:
When an experiment's result is unexpected, one should reevaluate both the hypothesis and experimental design, potentially leading to a revised hypothesis or additional experimentation. Option b.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the results of an experiment are not what was expected, according to the scientific method, the proper course of action is to(b) reevaluate the hypothesis and experimental design. This involves analyzing the data collected, considering whether the experiment was conducted properly, and exploring whether the original hypothesis should be modified or an alternative hypothesis should be considered. Repeating the experiment can help verify results and rule out anomalies or experimental errors. During this process, it is crucial to maintain an objective and critical approach to determine the validity of the hypothesis. A repeated experiment might yield different results due to variables that were not controlled or other external factors.
It is essential to remember that a single experiment's results do not necessarily prove a hypothesis to be correct; rather, consistency across multiple experiments is often required to support a hypothesis. When a hypothesis is not supported by experimental data, a new hypothesis can be proposed and tested. The scientific method is iterative and flexible, designed to systematically test, modify, and refine hypotheses based on empirical evidence.