Which of the following statements most objectively presents bad news?

• A. It is disappointing that the hypothesis was not supported.
• B. The results of the experiment did not support the hypothesis.
• C. The outcome was not what we hoped for and is very discouraging.
• D. Unfortunately, the experiment was a complete failure.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of 'objective presentation' in psychology, which means conveying information based on facts without personal feelings, opinions, or emotional language.
2. Step 2: Review each statement and identify whether it contains subjective language (emotional or opinion-based words) or objective language (neutral, fact-based wording).
3. Step 3: Note that phrases like 'disappointing,' 'not what we hoped for,' 'very discouraging,' and 'complete failure' express emotions or judgments, making them subjective.
4. Step 4: Identify the statement that simply reports the factual outcome without emotional or evaluative language, such as 'The results of the experiment did not support the hypothesis.'
5. Step 5: Conclude that the statement presenting the bad news most objectively is the one that states the factual result without added emotional commentary.