OE


The blank contains what the data will do to the findings. You have the clue that the results “were promising” (but “surprising,” indicating some uncertainty about the apparent conclusion). The semicolon is a signal to keep going in the same direction. Thus, her next step would likely be to verify or corroborate the findings. Gainsay (deny or prove false) and undermine (weaken or subvert secretly) are a pair representing the opposite, in fact, of what you want. Eschew (shun, avoid, or abstain from) and lecture (speak at length) are unrelated.