why might a scientist try to repeat the work of other scientists?

Question

to see if they come up with the same answer or to maybe seee if the answer has changed? or maybe to come up with a different answer?

Answer 1

I think you just answered your own question.

First and foremost, a scientist would try to repeat the work of another scientist to determine if the other scientist's claims are correct. Scientists do this all the time. If they didn't, anyone could make any sort of wild claim, and then say it must be true because it is "science". Checking each other's work keeps them all honest.

Second, if the work has been repeated many times with the same results, a scientist might want to change some little aspect of the work to see if something new might turn up. That's one way to learn how the world works, and another way science can be advanced.

Answer 2

Many experiments are not accepted as true until they are replicated in an independent lab. This is part of peer review. Sometimes the phenomenon being observed is so slight as to be confused with experimental errors. Different labs may use different equipment and techniques to prove the phenomena is real. The 'discovery' of cold fusion is a good example where results could not be replicated.

Answer 3

Because they want to see if they can get the same answer. It gives credibility to the study if another scientist can repeat the same or similar results.

Answer 4

so they can make sure the work of other scientists are valid and there are no mistakes

Answer 5

to come up with a different theory