Nature of Science statements 11-20

"Science and engineering are the same."

False. Science is a method of studying of the universe and everything in it, using observation and investigation, to discover knowledge about the universe and how it operates. Engineering (technology) is the application of scientific knowledge to design and construct objects and processes to solve a problem or to meet a demand. For example, in science, electromagnetic radiation can carry information. And cell phones utilize electromagnetic radiation for phone calls, text messages, and mobile internet which is the technology.

"Scientists accept the investigations of other scientists without verification."

False. Scientists verify each other's work before accepting their investigation. Helps to discredit scientific research that is biased, or simply not rigorous enough to be reliable. Scientist use the process of peer review which is is the evaluation of the scientific research of a scientist by other scientists in the same field. If a scientist's research does not "pass" the process of peer review, his/her claims will not be accepted, or even acknowledged by the scientific community.

"The universe operates by a set of rules, but these rules may vary according to location and/or time."

False. The rules we follow are constant through earth & the universe. For example, Newton's law of gravitation. He figured it out by getting hit in the head with an apple, but the same law of gravitation is set in space, since gravity is still present.

"Science and engineering are the same." *

False. They are very similar but are not the same. Science is a method of studying of the universe and everything in it, using observation and investigation, to discover knowledge about the universe and how it operates. Engineering (technology) is the application of scientific knowledge to design and construct objects and processes to solve a problem or to meet a demand. Science's goal is to seek knowledge and understanding of the universe in which we live. Engeering is practiced by engineers and it's goal is to produce technology. Science is the knowledge and technology is the object. For example, in science, electromagnetic radiation can carry information. And cell phones utilize electromagnetic radiation for phone calls, text messages, and mobile internet which is the technology.

"Science can accept supernatural, paranormal, mystical, and/or magical explanations for phenomena that have not yet been explained scientifically."

False. Valid evidence cannot be collected in support of these explanations. In situations where so called "evidence" has been collected, the evidence is inconsistent or cannot be verified by independent parties. For example, there is no scientific evidence that ghost or big foot is real. Explanations for phenomena that incorporate the supernatural, paranormal, psychic, magical, or mystical are considered pseudoscience. Pseudoscience is a collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded as being based on the scientific method. Science would accept the statement "The phenomenon cannot be explained at present" rather than accepting pseudo scientific explanation.

"Math is an integral part of science."

True. Accurate analysis of the results of a controlled experiment oftentimes requires quantitative observations in the form of measurements. For example, sig figs are used in science. How do you thing scientist calculated the distance the the earth to the moon for Apollo 11 to land? MATH. Math can be used to more easily express measurements to enable comparisons between measurements.

"Scientists can personally believe in a deity, or supernatural being, and perform professional scientific investigation of good quality."

True. Just as humans can allow bias to affect their choices and action in everyday matters, so too can scientists allow bias to affect their choices and actions when performing scientific inquiry.scientists are still entitled to their personal beliefs, such as in a deity or supernatural beings. Scientists are free to believe whatever they like, on a personal level, so long as they do not let these beliefs unduly affect them in their roles as scientists. When conducting research, good scientists let the evidence, rather than their feelings, hopes, or beliefs, lead them to conclusions. For example, a scientist is free to believe that the soul of departed loved one still inhabits their house (or, alternately, has gone to heaven), so long as the scientist does not professionally claim that ghosts are real without the necessary evidence the support the claim.

"Scientific investigation, as it is performed by people, can be influenced by outside factors."

True. One of the circumstances in which the results of scientific inquiry would be flawed is if the scientist performing the research is biased. Just as humans can allow bias to affect their choices and action in everyday matters, so too can scientists allow bias to affect their choices and actions when performing scientific inquiry. This can cause an experiment to be performed incorrectly, leading to inaccurate results, or cause a scientist to inaccurately report results or develop inaccurate or misleading conclusions. For example, scientist who are religious might not include the theory of evolution in their experiment or research.

"Anyone can practice science."

True. Science and science experiments are basic human behaviors. Kids always explore their environment. Humans experiment better than any other species on Earth. For example, kids that can barely walk are turning over rocks and picking pedals off a rose. They're exploring their environment through experimentation.

"It is important for all people to have an understanding of how the scientific process works, and what it can and cannot do."

True. Science is a fundamental part of the country that america is founded on. In the 21st century, when decision about science are brought up in the government, it is difficult because people don't have an understanding of how it works. For example, are vaccinations good or bad, is the theory of revolution fact or theory, and is global warming a thing. When there is a scientific emergent truth it is true whether or not someone believes it or not. For example, that humans are warming the planet and you are able to have a political conversation about it. And every time someone denies something that is proven by science, it puts back things that should be in effect to benefit the country.

"Disagreements among scientists regarding propose scientific explanations is a strength of science."

True. Since humans are so inquisitive and try to understand the world around them, science is best method for this task. Science is regarded as something that is supposed to have "the answers". If scientists disagree about something, people may think "The scientists don't know, so I'm okay to think whatever I want about this". An example of this is climate- change science. The scientific consensus is that human activity is producing a significant change in the climate of our planet. However, because a few scientists out of the multitude disagree with the claim, people who don't like the conclusion, for various reasons, have rejected it.Disagreements about whether evidence supports an explanation, or even disagreements about the evidence itself, prompt scientists to reevaluate their work. They check their evidence for errors and collect additional evidence. If the evidence continues to support the explanation, their explanation is strengthened.