单项选择题

The scientific method has four steps: 1. Observation and description of a phenomenon or group of phenomena. 2. Formulation of a hypothesis (假设, 假定) to explain the phenomena. 3. Use of the hypothesis to predict the existence of other phenomena, or to predict the results of new observations. 4. Performance of experimental tests of the predictions by several independent and properly performed experimenters. Recognizing that personal and cultural beliefs influence both our perceptions and our interpretations of natural phenomena, we aim through the use of standard procedures and criteria to minimize the influence of bias or prejudice in the experimenter when testing a hypothesis or a theory. When testing a hypothesis or a theory, the scientist may have a preference for one outcome or another. The most fundamental error is to mistake the hypothesis for an explanation of a phenomenon, without performing experimental tests. Sometimes "common sense" and "logic" tempt us into believing that no test is needed. There are numerous examples of this, dating from the Greek philosophers to the present day. Another common mistake is to ignore or rule out data which do not support the hypothesis. Sometimes, a scientist may have a strong belief that the hypothesis is true (or false), or feels internal or external pressure to get a specific result. In that case, there may be a psychological tendency to find "something wrong" with data which do not support the scientist’’s expectations. The lesson is that all data must be handled in the same way. In a field where there is active experimentation and open communication among members of the scientific community, the biases of individuals or groups may cancel out, because experimental tests are repeated by different scientists who may have different biases. Over a period spanning a variety of experimental tests (usually at least several years), a consensus (一致同意) develops in the community as to which experimental results have stood the test of time. What is the purpose of following standard scientific method according to the passage