Final answer:
Whether personal opinion influences the interpretation of scientific data in words depends on the nature of the data and the individual interpreting it. Scientific findings are ideally backed by empirical evidence, with rigorous methodologies in place to mitigate the impact of subjectivity. P-values are one such method used to assess the significance of results.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks whether personal opinion is less likely to influence scientific data when it is provided in words, and the correct answer is (C) It depends on the nature of the scientific data. Despite efforts to avoid it, personal opinion can still influence the interpretation of scientific data, whether it is presented in words or numbers. This is because data may be subject to the individual's interpretation, personal biases, or the way in which the data is framed. Scientific research aims to be objective and relies on empirical evidence to establish facts. However, qualitative data that is conveyed through words can be harder to organize and may reflect personal judgment or attitudes. To minimize the influence of personal opinions, scientists follow rigorous methodologies and often represent their data numerically using statistics. For instance, P-values are used to determine the significance of results in an effort to reduce subjectivity. A P-value of 0.03 suggests that there is only a 3% chance that the observed difference is due to chance, indicating that the result is statistically significant and likely not influenced by personal opinion or bias.