Claims in science should be based on what?

• A. Personal opinions and intuition.
• B. Anecdotal evidence.
• C. Systematic observation and accurate evidence.
• D. Unverified rumors.

Answer: (C)

In science, claims must be based on systematic observation and accurate evidence that can be tested and reproduced. Personal opinions and intuition can spark ideas, but they aren’t evidence on their own. Anecdotal evidence comes from individual cases and can be biased or unrepresentative, so it doesn’t establish general truths. Unverified rumors have no verifiable data to stand on. The strongest scientific claims come from careful measurements, well-designed experiments, and results that others can replicate and scrutinize. This often involves using calibrated instruments, controlling variables, conducting repeated trials, and engaging in peer review. When evidence is gathered in a consistent, objective way and can be independently verified, it forms a reliable basis for conclusions that others can test and build upon.