Question

Read the following passage carefully and answer the question that follows. “Scientific progress is often portrayed as a steady accumulation of knowledge. However, historians of science argue that major advances frequently occur through paradigm shifts, where established assumptions are challenged and replaced by new frameworks. Such transformations may initially face resistance because prevailing theories often become deeply embedded within scientific communities.” Which of the following assumptions is most strongly supported by the passage?

• A. Scientific theories never change once they are accepted.
• B. New scientific ideas are always accepted immediately.
• C. Established scientific communities may resist ideas that challenge existing beliefs.
• D. Scientific progress depends entirely on technological inventions.

Hint:

For assumption and inference questions, prefer options that are directly supported by the author's reasoning. Avoid extreme words such as always, never, entirely, and only unless the passage explicitly uses them.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: This is a higher-order Reading Comprehension question involving inference and assumption. Such questions are considered among the most difficult because the answer is rarely stated directly. Instead, the reader must determine what idea logically follows from the author's argument. The correct answer should be:
• Supported by the passage.
• Consistent with the author's viewpoint.
• Free from exaggeration.

Step 1: Identify the author's central argument. The passage discusses: \[ \text{Scientific Progress} \] The author challenges the common belief that scientific knowledge grows only through gradual accumulation. Instead, the passage introduces the concept of: \[ \text{Paradigm Shifts} \] where old frameworks are replaced by new ones.

Step 2: Analyze the key statement. The passage states: “Such transformations may initially face resistance because prevailing theories often become deeply embedded within scientific communities.” This sentence contains the author's most important claim. It implies that scientists and institutions sometimes become attached to existing theories. As a result: \[ \text{New ideas may encounter resistance} \] even if they are eventually proven correct.

Step 3: Evaluate Option (A). This option states: \[ \text{Scientific theories never change} \] The passage explicitly discusses paradigm shifts where theories are replaced. Therefore this option directly contradicts the passage. Incorrect.

Step 4: Evaluate Option (B). The passage mentions resistance to new ideas. Therefore acceptance is not always immediate. Incorrect.

Step 5: Evaluate Option (C). The passage states that prevailing theories become deeply embedded and therefore new ideas may face resistance. This option reflects exactly that idea. Correct.

Step 6: Evaluate Option (D). The passage never claims that technological inventions are the sole factor behind scientific progress. This statement introduces information not present in the passage. Incorrect.

Step 7: Final conclusion. The assumption most strongly supported by the passage is: \[ \boxed{\text{Established scientific communities may resist ideas that challenge existing beliefs}} \] Therefore, \[ \boxed{\text{Option (C)}} \]