Final answer:
Dr. Hernandez displayed bias by rejecting a scientific article solely on the basis of it presenting a new approach differing from the mainstream, without assessing its actual scientific merit or research quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Dr. Hernandez rejects an article submitted to a scientific journal simply because it offers a different approach from the mainstream, he displays bias. Bias is a personal and often unreasoned judgment or prejudice against certain ideas or perspectives, especially when they diverge from what is conventionally accepted. This action goes against the spirit of the scientific method, which values objectivity and the advancement of knowledge through the verification of new ideas via observation, measurement, and testing.
In the scientific community, peer-reviewed articles should be evaluated based on scientific merit, rigor of research design, clarity of report, and ethical conduct in the study. If Dr. Hernandez has dismissed the paper without properly assessing its scientific validity or the quality of the research because it challenges existing paradigms, he fails to uphold the responsibility to ensure that advocacy in science must rest on a foundation of solid science conducted with honesty and integrity.