Social constructionists argue that scientific 'facts' are produced through social negotiations, institutional practices, and rhetorical strategies. Laboratory studies show how experiments are staged and data interpreted through human decisions. Realists counter that successful prediction and technological application suggest independent reality constrains science—bridges don't collapse because of rhetorical strategies. Constructionists respond they're not denying reality, only that our descriptions and concepts are socially shaped.
It can be inferred from the text that
social constructionists believe bridges collapse due to rhetoric
debates about science may involve distinguishing between claims about reality and claims about our descriptions of reality
realists deny that experiments involve any human decisions
successful prediction has no bearing on scientific discussions
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. Constructionists distinguish reality from descriptions.
- Context clues: Constructionists say they're "not denying reality, only that our descriptions and concepts are socially shaped."
- Meaning: The debate is about descriptions, not reality itself.
- Verify: The distinction between reality and our accounts of it is central to the dispute.
💡 Strategy: When a debate is clarified by distinguishing levels (reality vs. description), infer that distinction is key.
Choice A is incorrect because constructionists say they're not denying reality. Choice C is incorrect because the point is what human decisions show, not that realists deny them. Choice D is incorrect because realists invoke prediction as evidence.