Question

The researcher's conclusion concerning the increase in blue-green algae would be most seriously undermined if it were found that

Short answer

The researcher's conclusion about the increase in blue-green algae would be most seriously undermined if it was found that a different factor, not considered in the original research, was actually responsible for the increase or if an exception to the researcher's original hypothesis was found.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Current Conclusions

Firstly, understand what conclusion the researcher has reached about the increase in blue-green algae. For this, we need the context which is not provided in the problem, but in most scenarios, this could be an observation based on a certain hypothesis. The hypothesis could be that the increase in algae is due to a specific condition or factor.

Identify Contradictions

In the next step, identify potential factors which would contradict the original hypothesis. This could be an environmental change or a variable that was overlooked in the original research that gives a different perspective on the increase in the algae.

Undermine the Conclusion

Finally, consider how the introduction of this contradictory factor would undermine the conclusion. For example, if it was found that the increased growth of algae was due to an entirely different factor that has nothing to do with the researcher's proposed factor, then this would most seriously undermine the researcher's conclusion. Another example: if the researcher concluded that the increase in algae was due to increased sunlight, and it was found that the growth rate of algae did not change in areas with less sunlight, then the conclusion would be seriously undermined.