Question

Which of the following statements can be considered scientific evidence?

1) This is scientific evidence, because it is a measurement of the speed of a car using an instrument (the speedometer).
2) This is scientific evidence, because it shows the position of a planet on the sky (relative to other landmarks or stars). It might be improved if the date, time, and location of the photograph were also known.
3) This is not scientific evidence, because it is reporting on somebody else's conclusion. Newspapers have been known to publish stories about space alien abductions and the like, too!
4) This is scientific evidence, because it is a measurement of the temperature at a particular location (presumably) using an instrument (a thermometer).
5) This is not scientific evidence, because it is somebody else telling you a fact (or what that person might believe to be a fact!).

Answer 1

Statements 1 and 4 can be considered scientific evidence as they involve direct measurements with instruments. Statement 2 can be scientific evidence if contextual details are provided, while statements 3 and 5 are not because they involve subjective conclusions or hearsay.

Step-by-step explanation:

Scientific evidence refers to information derived from direct observation or measurement using tools that extend our senses. In the context of the educational scenario provided, statements numbered 1 and 4 represent scientific evidence as they encompass measurements of the speed of a car using a speedometer, and the temperature at a particular location using a thermometer, respectively. Both these examples involve direct measurements pertinent to the physical world and can be objectively observed and recorded.

On the contrary, the statements numbered 3 and 5 do not constitute scientific evidence since they either pertain to subjective conclusions or secondhand information, which are not based on direct observations or empirical measurements. For instance, hearsay or news reports about unverifiable events do not meet the criteria of scientific evidence.

Statement 2 outlines day/time/location data of a planetary observation, which can be considered as scientific evidence if supplemented with the specific date, time, and location. This would enable the evidence to be independently verified and tested, a hallmark of scientific inquiry. Providing such specifics turns subjective observation into objective, reproducible scientific data.