Some specific understandings are summarized below. Some scientists work in teams, and some work alone, but all communicate extensively with others. Science requires different abilities. Nature of Science Scientists formulate and test their explanations of nature using observation, experiments, and theoretical and mathematical models.
All scientific ideas are tentative and subject to change and improvement in principle.
In areas where active research is being pursued and in which there is not a great deal of experimental or observational evidence and understanding, it is normal for scientists to differ with one another about the interpretation of the evidence or theory being considered. It is part of scientific inquiry to evaluate the results of scientific investigations, experiments, observations, theoretical models, and the explanations proposed by other scientists. Although scientists may disagree about the interpretation of the results of experiments, they do agree that questioning, response to criticism, and open communication are integral to the process of science. History of Science Many individuals have contributed to the traditions of science. Studying some of these individuals provides further understanding of scientific inquiry, science as a human endeavor, the nature of science, and the relationships between science and society.