Other factors do play a role in real decision making, but no arguments can save a theory that doesn t fit the data for very long. Science is a slow process. There is no need to rush to judgement. In a trial, the jury has no choice but to decide guilty or not guilty. Public reporting and discussion.
Scientists argue for their theories, but they don t have impassioned, public debates.
To keep things calm and careful, their communication is carried out in journals and at meeting. What they report mostly is data results of observations. Advocating this theory or that is less common. While individual scientists may become famous, it is really the community of scientists that makes decisions.