Homework Answers

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7. Science constructs laws and theories. A theory explains a phenomenon and

the relationship among natural phenomena. Laws describe the causes and

effects within a specific phenomenon. An example of this can be found in

comprehending the theory of evolution and the laws of motion. The theory

attempts to explain the phenomena, but laws are mathematically calculable

predictions of natural phenomena.

8. Democracy has no place within science. The observations and inferences

made cannot be legitimised by votes. A phenomenon either exists or it does

not. All theories are falsifiable. This means that one single piece of contradictory

evidence can disprove a theory. An explanation that has been disproved will

never be accepted no matter how many people ‘believe’ it is true.

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Science is embedded in a socio-cultural milieu (context) that is influenced by

the culture and society in which it is practiced. The values will influence how

science is conducted, interpreted, accepted and used. The ethical and moral

guidelines of society have an influence on research that can be conducted. The

debate around the use of embryos in stem cell research is one such example.

6. Science relies on observation and inference. We

observe phenomena through using the five external

human senses. Inference is the interpretation

(meaning-making process) of these observations.

Having many scientists observing the same phenomenon would lead to multiple

perspectives that enrich the body of knowledge. The ability to reason causally

is essential to making inferences. An inference is a conclusion that is reached

on the basis of evidence and reasoning

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3. Creativity and innovation are needed. Logical reasoning, with the assistance

of human creativity, gives rise to scientific knowledge. Creativity can be seen

as our ability to create new knowledge by rearranging the connections of known

elements. In science we often re-evaluate a theory when new evidence is

discovered. By using creativity, we often find new ways to reason about the

existing evidence and then create new possible explanations.

4. Science is subjective: Presently accepted scientific theories and laws

influence and drive the questions, investigations, and interpretations regarding

phenomena in the natural world. Scientists conduct their work based on these

accepted theories. Their own values, agendas and prior experiences have an

influence on their work. It is nearly impossible for a person to remove all of their

biases and, therefore, all scientific work has a small element of subjectivity

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1. Science is tentative: The knowledge obtained is subject to change. New

discoveries and observations are often made that challenge the existing and

accepted hypotheses of the time. This leads to reinterpretation and adaption of

the existing hypothesis. In other words, the theories can change if new evidence

is provided that shows a contradictory explanation.

2. Science relies on empirical evidence without which a

hypothesis remains speculative. Evidence is a series

of facts that are deduced from observations that are

interconnected and presented in such a way as to

support the explanation of a natural

Discuss the role of religion as a social institution

Choose one of the three thories covered sociology of education ( functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism). Discuss why your chosen theory provides the best explanation of school in South Africa