PISA 2025 Science Quiz 4: Scientific Identity

What does it mean to base beliefs on evidence in science?

• Accepting claims without questioning

• Using data and observations to support explanations

• Avoiding the critique of scientific ideas

• Relying solely on opinions

What is the role of critique in scientific enquiry?

• To reject all ideas that challenge current theories

• To evaluate and test the validity of claims and ideas

• To delay the publication of scientific findings

• To avoid controversial topics

Which of the following demonstrates trust in scientific consensus?

• Believing claims made by a domain-specific expert group

• Prioritizing personal opinions over data-backed evidence

• Ignoring published peer-reviewed research

• Rejecting ideas supported by multiple scientists

Why is uncertainty an inherent feature of scientific inquiry?

• Because evidence is often incomplete or limited

• Because science cannot produce reliable explanations

• Because data is always inaccurate

• Because scientific laws are unchangeable

What is a key feature of scientific knowledge?

• It is absolute and never changes.

• It evolves as new evidence emerges.

• It is based solely on expert opinions.

• It rejects uncertainty in results.

What does it mean to value scientific models?

• Accepting models without testing them

• Recognizing their role in explaining and predicting phenomena

• Avoiding the use of models in natural sciences

• Using models exclusively in theoretical physics

How does science contribute to solving environmental problems?

• By providing data and models for decision-making

• By reducing public critique of ideas

• By eliminating all uncertainty in environmental studies

• By avoiding controversial social issues

What does 'trust in science' mean?

• Blindly following all scientific claims

• Evaluating and believing claims backed by evidence and consensus

• Rejecting models that involve uncertainty

• Ignoring domain-specific expertise

What is one reason scientific knowledge changes over time?

• New evidence emerges that challenges existing theories

• Theories become outdated after a set time

• Consensus avoids critique of established knowledge

• Science dismisses evidence from experiments

Why is critique important in developing science identity?

• It prevents changes to established ideas.

• It ensures only popular theories are accepted.

• It encourages questioning and evaluating scientific ideas.

• It focuses only on rejecting consensus-based claims.