Question

Which of the following statements about scientific theories is false?

1) If even a single new fact is discovered that contradicts what we expect according to a particular theory, then the theory must be revised or discarded.
2) Theories are not taken seriously if they contradict older, more developed, theories.
3) A theory can never be proved beyond all doubt; we can only hope to collect more and more evidence that might support it.
4) A theory must make predictions that can be checked by observation or experiment.
5) A theory is a model designed to explain a number of observed facts.

Answer 1

The false statement is: 2) Theories are not taken seriously if they contradict older, more developed, theories.

Step-by-step explanation:

The false statement is: 2) Theories are not taken seriously if they contradict older, more developed, theories. This statement is incorrect because in science, theories are not evaluated based on how they align with older theories. Rather, theories are evaluated based on their ability to explain observed facts and make accurate predictions.

Scientific theories are well-substantiated explanations of natural phenomena that are based on a body of facts confirmed through observation and experimentation. A theory must make predictions that can be checked by observation or experiment, and if new evidence contradicts a theory, it must be revised or discarded. However, theories can never be proved beyond all doubt, but we can gather more evidence to support them.