A theory is a set of related hypotheses that have been tested and confirmed many times by many scientists. Which of the following could cause a long-held theory to be challenged or even overturned by the scientific community? (SC.912.N.1.1) *

Question

1 point
new evidence that better matches the new theory than previous evidence
a popular celebrity who disagrees with the ideas outlined in the old theory
a scientist who has strong beliefs that the old theory is wrong but little evidence
a group of scientists who believe that new theories are usually better than old theories

Answer 1

The option that could cause a long-held theory to be challenged or even overturned by the scientific community is:

new evidence that better matches the new theory than previous evidence.

Scientific theories are based on evidence, and when new evidence emerges that better supports an alternative explanation, it can lead to the re-evaluation and potentially the overturning of existing theories. The other options provided are not based on scientific principles and do not represent how scientific theories are typically challenged or revised.