[Campbell Biology P.71] How do scientific results and claims become established and refined... | Practice Question

How do scientific results and claims become established and refined within the scientific community?

  • A: A single groundbreaking experiment by a renowned scientist is usually sufficient to establish a new theory.
  • B: Results are shared confidentially among a small group of experts, who then decide on their validity.
  • C: Through repetition of observations and experiments, and a rigorous 'peer review' process of submitted research papers.
  • D: They are primarily accepted based on the reputation of the institution where the research was conducted.

Explanation

Scientific results are continually scrutinized. Scientists work by checking one another's claims, attempting to confirm observations or repeat experiments. Failure to repeat experimental findings may indicate underlying weaknesses. Research papers are published only after they are vetted by colleagues in a rigorous 'peer review' process. This ensures integrity and adherence to high professional standards, making scientific 'truth' conditional on the weight of available evidence.