Thinking About Science

Scientific knowledge is built through a complex process that relies, in part, on observations of nature.

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If an observation is made in the correct way, its meaning is straightforward and is not subject to interpretation.

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Scientific theories may be changed because scientists reinterpret existing observations.

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The process of science allows scientists to definitively prove or disprove hypothesis and theories.

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Even brand new hypotheses are usually based on evidence.

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Because they are inherently tentative, accepted scientific theories and hypothesis are unreliable.

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Well-supported hypotheses become theories, and well-supported theories become laws.

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Accepted scientific theories are well-supported explanations for a broad set of natural phenomena.

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All cultures conduct scientific research the same way because science is universal and independent of society and culture.

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Scientific research is not influenced by society and culture because scientists are trained to conduct "pure," unbiased studies.

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