Question

Choose the best answer to each of the following. Explain your reasoning with one or more complete sentences.Which of the following is not true about a scientific theory? (a) A theory must explain a wide range of observations or experiments. (b) Even the strongest theories can never be proved true beyond all doubt. (c) A theory is essentially an educated guess.

Short answer

Statement (c) is not true about a scientific theory.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Definition of a Scientific Theory

A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of evidence and has stood the test of time. It explains a wide range of phenomena and is supported by repeated observations and experiments.

Analyze Statement (a)

Statement (a) claims that a theory must explain a wide range of observations or experiments. This is true as scientific theories are formulated to account for vast amounts of data and observations.

Analyze Statement (b)

Statement (b) states that even the strongest theories can never be proved true beyond all doubt. This is true because scientific theories are always open to revision or rejection based on new evidence.

Analyze Statement (c)

Statement (c) claims that a theory is essentially an educated guess. This is not true in the context of a scientific theory, as a scientific theory is a rigorously tested explanation and not merely a guess.

Key concepts

Scientific Method

The scientific method is a systematic approach used by scientists to study the natural world. It's essential because it provides a structured path to discovering new knowledge and verifying existing information. The steps of the scientific method are typically as follows:

• **Observation:** This involves noticing something interesting or unexplained.
• **Question:** Formulating a question about the observation.
• **Hypothesis:** Developing a testable prediction based on prior knowledge or research.
• **Experiment:** Conducting tests to determine if the hypothesis is correct.
• **Analysis:** Examining the results to see if they support or contradict the hypothesis.
• **Conclusion:** Drawing conclusions based on the data collected.
• **Communication:** Sharing findings with others through publication or presentations.

This process is valuable because it helps eliminate biases and ensures that conclusions are backed by evidence. Scientists often use the results to craft or refine theories, although the scientific method itself is not confined to proving theories but exploring and explaining phenomena.

Evidence in Science

Evidence in science refers to the body of data and observations that support or refute scientific hypotheses and theories. It is a cornerstone of scientific inquiry, ensuring that interpretations of the natural world are grounded in real-world observations rather than speculation.

Evidence impacts science in several ways:

• **Validity and Reliability:** For evidence to be useful, it must be both valid (accurately reflecting the study's focus) and reliable (consistent over time).
• **Peer Review:** Scientists validate evidence through peer review, where other experts evaluate the data and methodologies used.
• **Updating Theories:** New evidence can support, modify, or challenge existing theories, highlighting the ever-evolving nature of scientific understanding.

Evidence is not just about collecting facts; it involves thorough experimentation and analysis. It allows scientists to support their conclusions strongly and reliably, making the foundation of theories robust and resistant to bias.

Theory vs Hypothesis

Understanding the difference between a theory and a hypothesis is fundamental to grasping how science progresses. A hypothesis is a tentative explanation that can be tested through scientific experiments. It's an educated guess that lays the groundwork for further investigation.

A scientific theory, on the other hand, is a comprehensive explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is extensively validated through observations and experiments. Here's how they differ:

• **Scope:** Hypotheses are narrow-focused predictions, while theories cover broad ranges of phenomena.
• **Purpose:** Hypotheses are tested to determine their validity, whereas theories are established frameworks that incorporate multiple hypotheses and facts.
• **Evidence Base:** A theory is constructed from an extensive collection of evidence, unlike a hypothesis which is often an initial step in research.

Theories and hypotheses play different but equally important roles in science. Once a hypothesis is tested and re-tested with supportive results, it may contribute to forming or reshaping a theory. The flexibility and adaptability of scientific theories in light of new evidence highlight their robustness and reliability.