Question

In some classes, students are not supposed to discuss their work with other students. What is one reason that science lab, unlike other classes, might benefit from including discussion?

A. Discussion of an investigation allows students to better understand methods and conclusions.
B. Discussion of an investigation allows students to find errors and change results.
C. Discussion of an investigation allows students to find errors and change data.
D. Discussion of an investigation allows students to select the best data and discard the rest.

Answer 1

In science lab discussions, students can better understand their methods and conclusions, identify errors, and learn about the importance of replication and peer review in scientific research.

Step-by-step explanation:

The discussion in a science lab can greatly benefit the scientific process because it allows students to better understand methods and conclusions. Unlike other classes where discussion might be restricted, in a lab setting, communicating results and discussing investigations is crucial for the development of scientific research. As part of the Scientific Method, discussing could involve identifying potential errors, sharing methods, ensuring replicability, and addressing the falsifiability of hypotheses.

During discussions, students can help each other identify any errors in their methods and understandings, not to change results or data unethically, but to improve the validity and reliability of their experiments. This collaborative approach supports the self-correcting nature of science, where peer review and replication are integral to scientific progress. Engaging in thoughtful discourse aids in reinforcing or refuting hypotheses based on shared evidence.