When the Results of a Study Conflict with Previous Research

question 70

Multiple Choice

When the results of a study conflict with previous research or with well-established theory, the researcher should

• A) go back and rewrite the hypothesis section of the report
• B) focus on the shortcomings of the study that could have caused such a result
• C) include a reconsideration of the original theory in the discussion section
• D) note that the previous research and theories are probably wrong

---

Definitions:

Regulatory Capture

A situation where regulatory agencies are dominated by the interests of the industries they are charged with regulating, often leading to biased and ineffective regulation.

Negative Externalities

Costs that are not reflected in the market price, caused by the production or consumption of goods and services, and borne by society rather than the producers or consumers.

Earmarks

Provisions within legislation that allocate specific funds to certain projects, often without a competitive bidding process.

Federal Government Legislation

Laws and regulations created and enacted by the national government of a country.