How do the scientific goals of description and explanation differ?

• A. Description is concerned with forming hypotheses, whereas explanation is about collecting data.
• B. Description involves observing and recording phenomena, while explanation seeks to identify the causes or mechanisms behind those phenomena.
• C. Description requires experimental manipulation, while explanation does not.
• D. Description and explanation both focus solely on predicting future events.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the scientific goals of description and explanation. Description focuses on observing and recording phenomena as they occur, providing a detailed account of what is happening. Explanation, on the other hand, seeks to identify the causes or mechanisms behind those phenomena, answering the 'why' or 'how' questions.
2. Step 2: Clarify the distinction between forming hypotheses and collecting data. Forming hypotheses is part of the explanation process, as it involves proposing potential causes or mechanisms. Collecting data is part of both description and explanation, but description emphasizes recording observations without necessarily testing hypotheses.
3. Step 3: Recognize the role of experimental manipulation. Experimental manipulation is typically associated with explanation, as it helps test hypotheses and identify causal relationships. Description, however, does not require experimental manipulation; it focuses on observing phenomena as they naturally occur.
4. Step 4: Address the misconception about prediction. While both description and explanation can contribute to predicting future events, their primary focus is different. Description provides a foundation by documenting phenomena, while explanation uses this information to understand underlying mechanisms, which can then inform predictions.
5. Step 5: Summarize the correct answer. Description involves observing and recording phenomena, while explanation seeks to identify the causes or mechanisms behind those phenomena. This distinction highlights the complementary roles of these scientific goals in understanding the natural world.