Question

After analyzing rock core samples in an area with frequent earthquakes, many geologists believe a severe earthquake will occur in the area in the next 50 to 80 years. Other geologists, however, believe that such a prediction cannot be determined from the data collected. If these two groups of scientists have access to the same data, how can they form such different hypotheses?
A. Geologists manipulate data to fit their hypotheses, which results in different conclusions.

B. Scientific predictions must list every possible outcome to make sure that they are never incorrect.

C. Geologists have different specialties that can cause them to interpret data differently.

D. Scientific hypotheses need to be proven many times, so predictions of earthquakes are probably incorrect.

Answer 1

B. Scientific predictions must list every possible outcome to make sure that they are never incorrect.

Answer 2

Answer: C. Geologists have different specialties that can cause them to interpret data differently.

Explanation:

The data is the outcome of a research study that is obtain after the implementation of the experimental methodology or by direct observation. The interpretation of data can vary among the scientists as they may have different perspective, knowledge and experience.

Thus according to the given situation, on the examination of rock samples in an area which exhibit frequent earthquakes, one type of geologists believe that a severe earthquake will occur and others believe that the prediction cannot be known by the data. This is indicating towards the fact that geologists in the given study may have different expertise, knowledge and perception which make them to interpret the data differently.