This material may be copied only for noncommercial classroom teaching purposes, and only if this source is clearly cited. Through small group activity and class discussions, the limiting influence of incomplete data and bias, along with the value of collaboration, are experienced. Scientists have biases that influence their work. One's background experiences may affect the interpretations of observations, resulting in non-scientific conclusions.
Science is uncertain and changing.
Each of us may see the same reality differently, depending upon one's own background experiences. Several hypotheses may exist simultaneously for the same reality. Observing several smaller pieces of reality may not always equal total reality when all are added together. Making consistent observations using proper techniques should lead to better conclusions about the natural world. Collaboration leads to more reliable knowledge.