Social Acceptance of Theories and Ideas

Rachel Hansen introduces the topic of how theories become accepted, using examples like gadgets and Elon Musk's inventions. She explains the concept of continental drift and plate tectonics, highlighting the contributions of Alfred Wegener and Harry Hess. The video also discusses the importance of claim testers in evaluating theories and touches on the challenges of social distancing during the pandemic. The session concludes with a wrap-up of week three and a preview of the next week's content.

What was the main reason Rachel Hansen mentioned her flannel shirt?

• To set a casual tone for the session

• To introduce a new topic

• To talk about environmental issues

• To discuss fashion trends

Why do many new ideas face initial rejection?

• They are not advertised well

• They are often seen as impractical or unnecessary

• They are too expensive

• They lack scientific evidence

What is the concept of continental drift?

• The movement of tectonic plates

• The separation of continents over time

• The formation of new continents

• The melting of ice caps

Who were the key figures in developing the theory of plate tectonics?

• Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel

• Marie Curie and Louis Pasteur

• Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein

• Alfred Wegener and Harry Hess

What role does 'authority' play in the acceptance of a theory?

• It ensures the theory is popular

• It simplifies the theory for the public

• It validates the theory through expert endorsement

• It makes the theory more complex

What is one of the claim testers used to evaluate theories?

• Cost

• Intuition

• Popularity

• Simplicity

What is the significance of the 'puzzle pieces' analogy in the context of continental drift?

• It illustrates the complexity of the theory

• It shows how continents fit together historically

• It emphasizes the importance of evidence

• It highlights the randomness of continental movement

What challenge is highlighted in the acceptance of social distancing measures?

• Complexity of guidelines

• High implementation costs

• Inconsistent responses across regions

• Lack of scientific evidence

What does Rachel Hansen encourage students to reflect on in their historian's journal?

• The history of fashion

• The acceptance of social distancing

• The development of new technologies

• The impact of climate change

What is the main theme of the session?

• The impact of social media

• The process of theory acceptance

• The role of technology in education

• The history of fashion