What is the purpose of literal replication in research?

The purpose of literal replication in research is to confirm results by redoing the same experiment. This type of replication involves taking the original study's methodology, including the procedures, materials, and conditions, and repeating it as closely as possible to see if the original findings can be reproduced. Literal replication is essential for establishing the reliability and validity of research results, as it helps to verify that the outcomes are not due to random chance or specific conditions of the original study. By successfully replicating the results, researchers can provide stronger evidence for the generalizability of the findings and help build a more robust body of scientific knowledge.

In contrast, other options address different aspects of research. For instance, challenging previous findings typically would be more aligned with conceptual replications or critiques rather than literal replications. Testing hypotheses in novel contexts involves applying existing theories or findings to new situations, which is different from merely repeating an experiment. Gathering new data on unrelated variables does not pertain to replication at all and focuses instead on exploring new questions rather than confirming existing findings.