Question

Many major scientific discoveries of the past were the product of serendipity, the chance discovery of valuable findings that investigators had not purposely sought. Now, however, scientific research tends to be so costly that investigators are heavily dependent on large grants to fund their research. Because such grants require investigators to provide the grant sponsors with clear projections of the outcome of the proposed research, investigators ignore anything that does not directly bear on the funded research. Therefore, under the prevailing circumstances, serendipity can no longer play a role in scientific discovery. Which one of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends? (A) Only findings that an investigator purposely seeks can directly bear on that investigator's research. (B) In the past few scientific investigators attempted to make clear predictions of the outcome of their research. (C) Dependence on large grants is preventing investigators from conducting the type of scientific research that those investigators would personally prefer. (D) All scientific investigators who provide grant sponsors with clear projections of the outcome of their research receive at least some of the grants for which they apply. (E) In general the most valuable scientific discoveries are the product of serendipity.

Short answer

(A) Only findings that an investigator purposely seeks can directly bear on that investigator's research.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Argument

The argument claims that because modern research is expensive and requires grant funding, scientists must focus strictly on projected outcomes to get funding. Consequently, they ignore unexpected findings, hindering serendipitous discoveries.

Identify the Conclusion

The conclusion of the argument is that serendipity can no longer play a role in scientific discovery due to the current need for focused and projected research outcomes to secure funding.

Identify Assumptions

Assumptions are unstated premises that must hold true for the argument to be valid. Here, the argument relies on the assumption that only findings directly sought after in research can lead to a successful project, implying that unexpected findings are ignored.

Connect the Assumption to an Answer Choice

Review the answer choices to find one that supports the idea that unexpected findings (i.e., serendipity) are not pursued due to focused funding projections. Choice (A) mentions that only sought findings directly bear on research, which aligns with the assumption that serendipitous findings are ignored.

Key concepts

scientific discovery

Scientific discovery refers to the process of exploring and understanding the natural world. It involves observation, experimentation, and analysis to uncover new facts or principles. Historically, scientific discovery has played a crucial role in advancing human knowledge and technology. Explorers of science strive to answer complex questions, solve real-world problems, and generally improve humanity's understanding of the universe.

Scientists rely on a combination of deliberate investigation and unexpected findings, known as serendipity, to make breakthroughs. Scientific research requires rigorous methodologies to ensure that results are reliable and valid. This systematic approach helps in verifying results through repeat experiments and peer review. Nonetheless, the heart of discovery often lies in the curiosity and perseverance of researchers dedicated to uncovering the unknown.

While serendipitous discoveries are sometimes stumbled upon unexpectedly, systematic research is vital for ongoing scientific progress. It serves as the foundation upon which scientists understand the known, thus making it easier to spot the unknown when they unintentionally encounter it.

research funding

Research funding is the financial support provided to conduct scientific investigations. It is a critical component of the scientific process, as it enables researchers to obtain necessary resources, such as equipment and personnel, to carry out their studies.

Funding usually comes from a variety of sources, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. Each grant typically has specific requirements and expectations when it comes to the research outcomes.

• Government funding often supports large-scale, long-term research projects that align with public interests.
• Private companies might fund research that aligns with their commercial goals, often focusing on innovative technologies or healthcare solutions.
• Non-profit organizations usually focus on research that has a societal impact, such as public health or environmental studies.

The dependency on research funding affects the direction of scientific inquiry, as researchers often tailor their proposals to align with the priorities of funding bodies. This focus can, at times, limit the scope of exploration, emphasizing outcomes that fit within predetermined expectations and potentially hindering unexpected findings from being pursued further.

serendipity in research

Serendipity in research refers to unexpected discoveries that arise during the pursuit of known objectives. These unforeseen findings can significantly impact scientific advancement, often leading to breakthroughs that weren't initially sought.

Famous instances of serendipity in research include the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming, who found the antibiotic properties of a mold by accident, and the creation of the microwave oven following Percy Spencer's experiments with radar technology.

Embracing serendipity requires an open-minded approach where researchers are curious and willing to explore unexpected results. It involves maintaining a flexible mindset to appreciate unanticipated data.

• Paying attention to anomalies and outliers can lead to groundbreaking insights.
• Allowing room in research agendas for unscripted exploration promotes innovation.

While current funding mechanisms often demand a focused approach to satisfy grant expectations, allowing space for serendipitous discoveries can enhance scientific research, fostering breakthroughs that might have otherwise been overlooked.

grant proposals

Grant proposals are formal submissions requesting financial support for research projects. These documents are crucial for acquiring research funding, as they outline a researcher's planned investigations and justify the resources needed.

A successful grant proposal typically includes:

• A clear and compelling introduction that highlights the significance of the research problem.
• Detailed methodology describing the approach, including any tools or techniques to be used.
• Expected outcomes that align with the goals of the funding agency.
• A budget breakdown to justify the funding request.
• Background information demonstrating the researcher's qualifications and past achievements.

Writing an effective grant proposal requires aligning the research goals with the priorities of the funding body. Researchers need to demonstrate the potential impact of their work and convince funders of its value.

Grant proposals act as a double-edged sword in research; they are essential for securing necessary funds but can also constrain the creative flow of discovery by adhering strictly to predetermined outcomes. However, they remain an indispensable part of the academic and scientific ecosystems, facilitating the progression of numerous vital research projects.