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Knowledge in the Sciences
Quick questions on Models and theory-ladenness explained: H2 Knowledge and Inquiry
4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is theory-ladenness of observation?Show answer
The theory-ladenness of observation is the claim that what scientists observe, and what they count as data, is shaped by the concepts, theories, expectations, training and instruments they bring to the act of observing. There is no stage of pure, framework-free seeing. Reading a thermometer presupposes a theory of thermal expansion; identifying a particle track presupposes a theory of the detector. An expert and a novice presented with the same scan literally report different things, because perception is informed by background knowledge.
What is q1?Show answer
Explain what the theory-ladenness of observation means and give an example. [6 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Explain why theory-ladenness does not by itself make science non-objective. [8 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Explain why using an idealised model with false assumptions can still yield scientific knowledge. [6 marks]
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