Final answer:
Scientific knowledge is always subject to change and uncertainty because it is constantly evolving through experimentation, observation, and peer-review. Scientific research relies on empirical evidence and falsifiability, and even well-established theories can undergo paradigm shifts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scientific knowledge is based on experimentation and observation, and it is always subject to the rigorous process of peer-review. The correct answer to whether scientific knowledge is A) Always subject to change and uncertainty, B) Derived solely from theoretical models, C) Always accepted as absolute truth, D) Dependent on religious beliefs, is A) Always subject to change and uncertainty. This can be attributed to the nature of scientific inquiry, which is inherently provisional and iterative.
Scientific research is grounded in empirical evidence, which comes from direct experience or scientifically gathered data. Over time, scientific theories and models may be revised or replaced as new observations and experiments provide further insight. These revisions are a testament to the dynamic nature of science, which views knowledge as continuously evolving rather than static. Key concepts such as falsifiability reinforce the idea that scientific information must withstand rigorous testing, and only robust scientific ideas last over time.
Significantly, the nature of scientific ideas being open to change is also highlighted by historical examples of paradigm shifts, where well-established theories have been radically changed as a result of new discoveries or interpretations. This reflects the adaptability of the scientific method to accommodate new evidence, leading to a more accurate and detailed understanding of the natural world.