Astronomy Practice Exam

What does it mean for scientific theories to be provisional?

1. They are permanently accepted as truth

2. They can be changed or rejected as new evidence emerges

3. They must always be proven correct

4. They are free from any scrutiny or testing

The correct answer is: They can be changed or rejected as new evidence emerges

Scientific theories being provisional means that they are open to modification or rejection with the introduction of new evidence or insights. In the scientific method, theories are not considered absolute truths; rather, they are well-substantiated explanations that are supported by a significant body of evidence. However, the essence of science is its adaptability; theories must accommodate new data, which might confirm, refine, or contradict them. For example, theories about the nature of the universe were significantly impacted by new astronomical observations, leading to developments such as the Big Bang theory replacing earlier models. This provisional nature is fundamental to scientific progress, allowing science to remain dynamic and responsive to the evolving understanding of the natural world. Therefore, the idea that theories can be changed or rejected aligns perfectly with the core principles of scientific inquiry, making it an accurate interpretation of the provisional aspect of scientific theories.