Dr. Porter ignores the findings, and submits the report as written ...
Since the inconsistency does not directly relate to the primary research questions, Dr. Porter ignores the findings, and submits the report as written.
Dr. Porter downplays the importance of the findings because of its minor impact on the main conclusion of the study.
These are some possible outcomes:
Dr. Porter submits the article, the reviewers suggest minor revisions, but recommends publication.
Dr. Porter submits article, the reviewers suggest minor revisions, recommends publication.
Dr. Porter submits article, but two of the reviewers express concern over a minor inconsistency in the findings.
