Question

Which of the following statements about the scientific method best supports the idea that science is a 'community enterprise'?

• A. Scientists primarily work in isolation to protect their groundbreaking ideas from competitors.
• B. Scientific discoveries are usually kept secret within individual research labs until proven absolutely correct.
• C. Individual scientists are solely responsible for validating their own research findings through personal experimentation.
• D. Research findings are shared through publications, conferences, and subject to peer review and replication attempts

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Research findings are shared through publications, conferences, and subject to peer review and replication attempts

• Peer Review: Before scientific findings are published, they are evaluated by other experts in the same field. This process, known as peer review, helps ensure the quality, validity, and originality of the research. It's a crucial step where the scientific community scrutinizes work, identifying potential flaws or areas for improvement.

• Publication: Research results are disseminated through scientific journals, which are accessible to a global audience of scientists. This allows for widespread understanding and utilization of new discoveries. Examples of prominent journals include Nature, Science, and The Lancet.

• Conferences and Seminars: Scientists present their work at national and international conferences and seminars. These events provide platforms for direct interaction, discussion, and feedback among researchers, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas.

• Replication: A cornerstone of scientific validation is the ability of other scientists to replicate the research. If an experiment or study can be successfully repeated by independent researchers, it strengthens the confidence in the original findings. Conversely, failed replications can highlight issues with the original study or reveal new complexities.