People sometimes have difficulty distinguishing between scientific explanations of common events and other kinds of explanation (superstition, prejudice, magic, etc.). Which of the following best helps to identify a scientific explanation?
A) The explanation goes against the results of public opinion polls.
B) The explanation changes according to the social status of the observer.
C) We can test the explanation by comparing its predictions to measurement results.
D) The explanation relies on local folklore.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A scientific explanation can be tested through experimentation and observation, and its predictions can be validated or invalidated by comparing them to measurable data. Choices A, B, and D, do not provide any criteria for identifying a scientific explanation.

People Sometimes Have Difficulty Distinguishing Between Scientific Explanations of Common