Final answer:
Science as a field of study is characterized by its reliance on observations and testing. It involves the formulation of hypotheses based on evidence, which are then subjected to rigorous testing and experimentation leading to the development of theories.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks for a characterization of science as a field of study. When we look at the nature of science, it is evident that it does not simply produce answers without testing and does not avoid predicting outcomes for future experiments. Instead, science is fundamentally based on observations, which becomes apparent when we consider various scientific disciplines. For example, archaeology, despite its reliance on historical artifacts, still follows the scientific method by formulating hypotheses, which are either supported or refuted by additional findings. In the natural sciences, such as astronomy, predictions are made about celestial events based on the laws of physics, and these predictions are a crucial part of the scientific process.
An accurate characterization of science would be that it relies on evidence gathered through observations, which is then used to formulate hypotheses. These hypotheses are subject to rigorous testing and experimentation, and the results can lead to the formation of theories, which are well-tested and confirmed explanations for observed phenomena. Therefore, Option A, which states that science rests on observations, most accurately characterizes science as a field of study.