Final answer:
It is true that scientific research can be controversial and there are certain questions that may not be answerable by science. The self-correcting nature of science means that scientific ideas and understanding are always subject to change and refinement as new evidence is discovered. The process of scientific investigation is not strictly linear and can adapt as research progresses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Scientific research can be controversial and is often ignored. Sometimes science is unable to answer particular questions.' is true. Science as a process involves generating and testing hypotheses, which may sometimes lead to controversy, especially when research findings clash with existing beliefs or the interests of certain groups. Moreover, there are indeed questions that science cannot currently answer, often because they are beyond the scope of scientific inquiry, involve subjective experiences, or require technology and knowledge not yet available. For example, questions that are metaphysical, philosophical, or based on personal belief systems may not be answerable through scientific methods.
Additional points to consider:
- Scientific ideas are indeed open to revision as new evidence becomes available or as current theories are re-evaluated. This is a core strength of scientific practice—it is self-correcting and evolves with new information.
- A dramatic change in scientific understanding is known as a paradigm shift, where existing frameworks or theories are replaced by new ones that better explain the observed phenomena.
- Concerning scientific investigation, it does not always follow the same sequence of steps in a linear fashion. Instead, the process can be iterative and adaptive, at times leading to new questions and approaches.