Chapter 24, Problem 1TQ

Summary Introduction

A scientific claim can be defined as the statement that express the conclusion to a problem or an answer to a question that is being investigated. The data that support the scientific claims are known as the evidences. A claim is usually given as a short sentence in length and it should be specific. The answer to any question must be given completely.

Answer to Problem 1TQ

When evaluating a scientific claim, least consideration must be given to one’s own beliefs and values. The claim should be evaluated based on the data collected.

Therefore, option b is correct. 

Explanation of Solution

Justify the reasons for the correct statement:

During the evaluation of a scientific claim, high importance must be given to scientific credentials, the type of journal in which the claim has published, whether the study supporting the claim meets the standards of scientific method, any possible preconceptions of the person making the claim.

Least considerations must be given to one’s own belief and thoughts because it can result in the wrong interpretation of data. This in turn results in wrong scientific claims.

Option (b) is given as, “Your personal beliefs and values”.

Hence, the option (b) is correct.

Justify the reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option (a) is given as, “the scientific credentials of the person making the claim”. 

A credential is an evidence of qualification. The scientific credentials of the person who is making a claim must be given more consideration while evaluating a claim. This is because an accurate data can be collected by a person having appropriate credentials. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (c) is given as, “whether the study supporting the claim has been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal”.   

Peer reviewed journals contain data which were validated and evaluated for suitability before publication. When evaluating a scientific claim, it is important to consider and to check whether the data supporting the claim has been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal or not. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (d) is given as, “whether the study supporting the claim meets the standards of the scientific method”.   

The data that supports the claim must meet the standards of the scientific method during its evaluation. It must receive more consideration during the process. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (e) is given as, “any possible biases of the person making the claim”.   

Any possible biases or favoritism of the individual who is making the claim should be given high importance during the evaluation of the claim. This is because the person making the scientific claim can add additional information that will be useful to the public. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (a), (c), (d), and (e) are incorrect.

Conclusion

The person who is evaluating a scientific claim should give less consideration to his own beliefs and values while evaluating a scientific claim.