What role do values play in the scientific process?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Values can influence what questions researchers even think of to ask, as well as the
way in which they proceed to study that question. Some argue that because science is
a human enterprise, values will influence the research process, and we should simply
acknowledge this and proceed. Others see science as more value-free. They argue
that it is better try to rely heavily on the scientific method so as to avoid allowing one's
personal biases and preconceptions to taint observations.
Values also influence the choices we make in any activity, research included. A value
relevant to the research process is honesty. It is important that researchers honestly
report their findings so that the scientific process can iteratively build upon them. If
researchers fabricate their results, as one Dutch social psychologist did recently, then
science builds upon a story rather than an empirical observation. As a result, everyone
loses.