Question

Which of the following questions could NOT be answered using scientific methods? A) Should lying be illegal? B) Does sulfur affect the growth of grass? C) How do waves cause erosion? D) Does land heat up faster than water?

Short answer

A) Should lying be illegal?

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Criteria

Scientific methods rely on observations, experiments, and evidence. They can only answer empirical questions where data can be gathered and analyzed.

Analyze Each Question

- **Option A**: 'Should lying be illegal?' involves opinion, values, and ethics rather than empirical evidence. - **Option B**: 'Does sulfur affect the growth of grass?' can be investigated through experiments and observations. - **Option C**: 'How do waves cause erosion?' can be examined through scientific observations and theoretical analysis. - **Option D**: 'Does land heat up faster than water?' can be tested through controlled experiments.

Identify the Non-Scientific Question

The question 'Should lying be illegal?' asks for a value judgment, not a fact that can be empirically tested or measured scientifically.

Key concepts

Empirical Questions

Empirical questions are those that can be answered with data collected through observation or experiment. These questions seek to uncover facts that can be measured and analyzed scientifically. Empirical questions are critical in the scientific method because they allow us to test hypotheses and draw conclusions based on evidence. For instance, in the original exercise, questions such as "Does sulfur affect the growth of grass?" and "Does land heat up faster than water?" are empirical questions. These can be tested through experimentation or observation. This involves establishing controlled environments or observational studies where variables can be monitored and measured.

• Empirical questions focus on acquiring knowledge through sensed experiences.
• They lead to gathering observations or data on which conclusions can be drawn.
• These questions do not involve personal values, beliefs, or opinions.

Ethical Considerations in Science

Ethical considerations in science are essential when it comes to conducting research and experimentation. While scientific methods focus primarily on being objective and evidence-based, ethical considerations ensure that the research and its applications are conducted humanely and responsibly.
Ethical considerations come into play when questions do not solely depend on empirical data. For example, the question "Should lying be illegal?" in our original exercise is not a scientific question because it delves into morality and values, which require ethical and societal contexts for resolution.

• Ethics in science involves honesty, integrity, and respect for subjects.
• It requires informed consent in research involving human participants.
• Ethical constraints may limit some scientific pursuits to protect well-being.

Scientific Experimentation

Scientific experimentation is a crucial aspect of the scientific method, allowing us to test hypotheses and explore empirical questions. Experiments involve manipulating one or more variables to observe the effect on another variable. This helps in establishing cause-and-effect relationships.
For example, in the question about whether sulfur affects the growth of grass, an experiment would involve controlling conditions such as soil type, water, and light while varying sulfur levels to see the impact on grass growth.

• Experiments must be replicable to validate results.
• They should be designed to minimize bias and error.
• Controlled experiments provide clear evidence of relationships between variables.

Observations in Science

Observations in science form the backbone of gathering data and evidence. These can be systematically recorded details measured during experiments or natural phenomena. Observations help in forming hypotheses and are essential for validating or disproving scientific theories.
In the original exercise, the question "How do waves cause erosion?" can be addressed with scientific observations--watching the effects of waves on different kinds of coastal formations over time, making note of the changes, and possibly collecting data on wave frequency, energy, and sediment transport.

• Observations can be qualitative or quantitative.
• They are fundamental to deriving reliable scientific knowledge.
• Detailed and accurate observations are key to forming sound scientific conclusions.