Chapter 1, Problem 16A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The effects of social, political and personal considerations on the evaluation of theory of scientists need to be explained with examples. The methods to exclude these considerations need to be explained.

Concept Introduction: Chemistry is a fundamental science that investigates and studies molecules. In chemistry, the scientific method is a systematic way of collecting evidence to support theories/ concepts.In scientific disciplines, the term “model”, “experiment”, “observation”, “theory” and “law” holds different meanings of phenomena.

Answer to Problem 16A

The political, social or personal considerations can affect a scientist's evaluations of a theory because of profit motives. The methods are descriptive, comparative, and experimental investigation.

Explanation of Solution

Science is separately affected by a culture/ history that include social, political, & religious ideologies. Its consequences are so strong. They can manipulate scientific evidence or data for centuries. Scientists have prejudices; they can misunderstand data and get emotionally attached to their concepts/ theories, and thus lose objectivity. This is because of these lacunae. They can play politics and also, they may have profit motives, fads, budgets, wars and religious beliefs.

For example, during Hitler’s rule in Germany, many scientists worked in favor of the fascist regime by Hitler. Many innocent people were killed and affected by this. Scientists use some investigation methods to research as well as develop an explanation for any event in nature. Those methods are descriptive, comparative, and experimental investigation.

Conclusion

The several political social or personal considerations are affecting scientist's evaluations of a theory.