Science is concerned with understanding how nature and the physical world work. |
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Science can prove anything, solve any problem, or answer any question. |
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Any study that is based on observation and is done carefully is scientific. |
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Anything done scientifically can be relied on to be accurate and reliable. |
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Different scientists may get different solutions to the same problem. |
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Knowledge of what science is, what it can and cannot do, and how it works is important for all people. |
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Correct! This statement is true.
Science is a process by which we try to understand how the physical world works. The physical world includes the world we can observe with our senses, with or without technological aids.
Correct! This statement is true.
Intentional or unintentional sources of bias introduced in a study can result in different solutions to the same problem. Scientists are people, and although they follow certain rules and try to be as objective as possible, both in their observations and their interpretations, their biases are still there. Some people use the name of science in their efforts to "prove" their favorite cause, even if the rules of science are not followed. Such causes are properly labeled "pseudosciences." Also, some scientists have been known to do fraudulent work in order to support their pet ideas. Such work is usually exposed sooner or later, due to the peer review system and the work of other scientists.
Correct! This statement is true.
People need to be able to evaluate scientific information in order to make informed decisions about health care, environmental issues, technological advances, and public health issues. It is important to be scientifically literate in order to be able to think critically about what and who to vote for, what to buy, and how to protect their health.
Correct! This statement is false.
Science attempts to disprove ideas (hypotheses). Science is limited strictly to solving problems about the physical and the natural world. Explanations based on supernatural forces, values, or ethics can never be disproved and, thus, do not fall under the realm of science.
Correct! This statement is false.
Science must follow certain rules; otherwise, it's not science. The rules of science are intended to make the process as unbiased as humanly possible and thereby produce a degree of understanding that is as close to reality as possible. Scientific explanations must be based on careful observations and testing of hypotheses.
Correct! This statement is false.
Science can be done poorly. We all make mistakes, even scientists. Quality control mechanisms in science increase the reliability of results.