Science, Technology, and Society
Science in context
Science does not happen in isolation; it interacts with technology, society, economics, and ethics. Technology applies scientific knowledge to solve problems (vaccines, water treatment, renewable energy, mobile phones). Candidates should be able to describe both benefits and drawbacks of scientific developments and to recognise that decisions often involve trade-offs, not simple right answers.
Evaluating claims
A key skill is distinguishing reliable evidence from anecdote. Reliable evidence comes from controlled experiments, large samples, peer review, and repetition. Beware of correlation presented as causation, small samples, biased sources, and sensational headlines. In questions, look for whether the evidence actually supports the claim; often the correct answer is 'the data does not support this conclusion'.
Ethical and environmental issues
Examples include genetic modification (crop yield vs ecological concerns), cloning, stem cell research, fossil fuel use, nuclear power, and antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance arises because overuse of antibiotics selects resistant bacteria - an application of natural selection. Vaccination programmes protect populations through herd immunity, but require high uptake. Data privacy in health records and informed consent are ethical considerations.
Worked example
A newspaper claims 'New drink boosts memory'. The study tested 10 students for one week, with no control group. Evaluation: small sample, no control, short duration, possible bias - so the claim is not well supported. A stronger study would use a larger sample, a placebo control, and longer follow-up.
Rule of thumb
Ask: who did the study, how many people, was there a control, and does the conclusion follow from the data? This checklist answers many exam questions.