The two messages I just created should be reversed to properly link to its predecesor.

While thinking about how to answer Averil, I googled "how to do proper research". It came back with lots of replies, so I picked some that I think apply here.

Two from "Ten simple rules for doing your best research" (journals dot plos dot org):
"Believe and doubt your hypothesis at the same time" . In other words, attack your hypotheses to find any holes.
"Leave your door open".

The third very important rule is to ensure your research survives peer review. I don't believe Averil's hypothesis passes this test.