Scientific knowledge and the procedures used by scientists influence the way many individuals in society think about themselves, others, and the environment. Science and technology have advanced through contributions of many different people. Scientists and engineers work in many different settings. Science cannot answer all questions and technology cannot solve all problems or meet all needs. History and Nature of Science Science as a human endeavor Women and men of various backgrounds engage in the activities of science.
Some scientists work in teams and some work alone, but all communicate extensively with others.
Science requires different abilities, depending on such factors as the field of study and type of inquiry. Scientists formulate and test their explanations using observations and experiments. 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. Different scientists might draw different conclusions from the same data. Ideally, scientists acknowledge such conflict and work towards finding evidence that will resolve their disagreement.