Final answer:
True, a scientific model must be falsifiable—capable of being proven wrong by observation or experiment. Falsifiability is a critical component of scientific theories, allowing them to be tested and refined over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
True: A scientific model must allow the possibility of being proven wrong by observation. This is a foundational aspect of the scientific method.
An explanation about how this works in scientific inquiry is necessary. Scientific models, hypotheses, and theories are all constructed to explain and predict natural phenomena. These explanations and predictions must be testable, meaning that they can be measured and observed in experiments or in natural settings. If observations do not align with what is predicted by the model, then the model can be considered incorrect or incomplete. This process of being proven wrong is known as falsifiability, and it is essential for scientific progress. For example, if a model predicts that a certain chemical reaction will produce a gas, but experiments consistently show that no gas is produced, then the model must be re-evaluated and potentially rejected.
This concept of falsifiability was articulated by philosopher Karl Popper and has become a core criterion for scientific theories. It allows science to advance by eliminating theories that do not accurately describe the natural world. Therefore, the ability of a model to be proven wrong is not a weakness but rather an inherent strength of the scientific approach that enables continuous improvement and refinement of our understanding of the universe.