Table 2 Students’ informed views in five NOS aspects
From: Understanding of high-achieving science students on the nature of science
Aspect | The answer |
|---|---|
Interpretive | People’s conclusions stem from ways of thinking and interpreting facts. Because of different ways of thinking and beliefs, conclusions could be different despite the same data. |
Limited | It is impossible to determine who is right because there are not enough data or proof to support or refute the different scientists’ theories. |
It might be possible if further research will be carried out and if more data will be accumulated to support or falsify the current conclusions of one group. | |
Empirical | No document is more scientific. They both show scientific facts that prove their opinions. |
The document that includes more facts is more scientific. | |
Tentative | Researchers of one group can change their minds if they are convinced by the other group that its argument is true or if new discoveries appear that support the other argument. |
Social influence | Other factors can influence scientific research. An example from the past is the church’s objection to Galileo’s theory that Earth orbits the sun. A current example is the way interest groups support studies on global climate change, or radiation from cellular phone antennas, when these studies are in line with their interests. |