In the context of collecting data, what does it mean if an experiment exhibits reproducibility?

• A. The experiment uses a random sample so the results must exactly match the population parameter.
• B. Independent researchers can repeat the experiment under similar conditions and obtain similar results.
• C. The experiment has been replicated many times within the same trial, so randomization is unnecessary.
• D. The experiment guarantees the same outcome for every individual subject tested.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of reproducibility in the context of experiments: it refers to the ability of independent researchers to repeat an experiment under similar conditions and obtain similar results.
2. Recognize that reproducibility is about consistency across different trials or studies, not about exact matches to population parameters or outcomes for every individual.
3. Note that using a random sample helps generalize results but does not guarantee exact matches to population parameters, so this is not what reproducibility means.
4. Understand that replicating an experiment many times within the same trial is related to reliability or repeatability, but reproducibility specifically involves independent researchers and similar conditions.
5. Conclude that reproducibility ensures that the findings are robust and not just due to chance or specific to one particular study setup.