Every day we’re bombarded with scientific data and facts. From climate change to quantum physics, we’re told to just trust the science and believe – no questions asked. But the reality is that interpretation of scientific information is far more nuanced than that and is colored by each person’s worldview and preconceived biases, and yes- even as a creation scientist.
According to a study conducted by the National Science Foundation, 82% of Americans have difficulty understanding the meaning of scientific information. This means that despite our best efforts, many of us are unconsciously misinterpreting scientific data – and even coming to incorrect conclusions.
In this article, you’ll learn why we often misunderstand science, how different personalities interpret scientific information differently, and how to work around our own biases to draw accurate conclusions from scientific data.
A Preconceived Mindset
By Christina Gerwitz Moss
The interpretation of scientific information is not as clear-cut as many would like to assume. An individual’s disposition or preconceived mindset can make it challenging to accurately interpret scientific information, data, and facts.
As a believer in Creation Science, when I encounter scientific information, I immediately see it with the eyes of a Christian. In the same way, an evolutionist, looking at the same scientific information, will immediately see and interpret that data through different eyes.
Being Aware of Biases
Although biases are never favorable, being aware of your predisposition, whether creation or evolution, can be a starting point to more objectively analyze information. This, of course, does not mean that you must forsake or squash your beliefs. Instead, objectivity allows others to see the creditability of your research and better understand your interpretation of the material. It should be noted that both creation and evolution are belief systems.
Logic
Here’s the logic—no one was there at the beginning of life (until it happened!), and we have not been able to duplicate the origins of life through experimentation scientifically—therefore, scientifically speaking, neither viewpoint is “provable” instead each must be accepted by faith—we were either created by a loving God or through the evolutionary process of death.
Making the Data Fit
In the third novel, Keys to the Past: Unlocked, we had several opportunities to present characters that were oblivious to their biases. When the characters enter into discussions, the perceived mindset of an individual was quickly brought to light. Yet, often the characters did not see their own prejudices. (This is often the case with many individuals today.) When Dr. Foster (the scientist in the novel) interpreted the data he recovered, he looked at the information assuming that evolution was the mechanism by which life started. By doing this, he was no longer truly looking at the information or data but instead simply attempting to make the data fit into a model he had already constructed and believed to be true.
Scientific Assumptions
Often a creationist is looked down upon by evolutionists because they assume scientific information is only analyzed by a creationist as long as it meshes with the model and time periods explained in Genesis. This, however, is not the case. Any good scientist will analyze all of the information and then come to a nonbiased conclusion; at least, this is what we hope for.
Scientific Scrutiny
Because creationism has been so scrutinized by the secular scientific community, I feel that in many cases, creationists are more aware of their personal disposition and need for objectivity. On the other hand, many, though not all, secular evolutionists have raised themselves above creationists—deeming themselves unbiased.
This is because many secular (as well as some Christian) scientists believe that evolution is a proven fact. The National Science Standards (which you can find online) state that teaching evolution is mandatory for all students. They specifically address the issue of the “problem” with creation.
They point out that creation is a “religion,” yet evolution is a scientific fact. This illustrates that there appears to be a trap some scientists and educators fall into: they are unaware of their own preconceived viewpoint (or choose to ignore it). Overcoming a biased opinion or interpretation of data can only fully happen when you admit you have one.
Genesis
Creationists wholeheartedly admit to believing in the first eleven chapters of Genesis—which lays out the Creation story. They realize their potential for approaching scientific data with a perceived mindset—thus, they are able to move past it onto the information.
Most evolutionists, however, claim to be unbiased. This blindness makes them all the more venerable to the problem of incorrectly interpreting scientific information. By arguing they are not biased, they are, in fact, closing themselves off from overcoming—their evolutionist disposition.
Bias as Human Fact
Biases are an undeniable fact, for we are all human—having said this, they should be considered when conducting research or interpreting data. Creationists have such an awesome opportunity to share their faith and the truths about creation science with the entire scientific community.
It is important to analyze the content of a scientific paper and the author of the work. One way to do this is to read a biography of the author or of the research institution. Personally, I feel confident with the information I find on websites such as The Institute for Creation Research or Creation Studies Institute.
Being aware of personal biases is important to each of us. Understanding this issue will go a long way in preparing you and your children for the onslaught of evolutionary claims found in the general media.
The Good News
The good news is there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that is the truth found in the Word of God!
Christina (Gerwitz) Moss was home-educated from K-12 and enjoyed the opportunity to learn at her own pace. She developed a love for diverse activities such as writing, reading the classics, teaching and working with the youth at church, participating in Archaeological and Paleontological digs, and SCUBA diving. Christina graduated in 2004 with honors from FGCU as a Communications Major with a minor in Anthropology. She received a scholarship to attend an archeological study group on the Island of Rotund, off the Honduras coast. She has been published in the FPEA Almanac, the FGCU student newspaper, and various other publications. Christina is married to William Moss, and they have nine children. Christina is homeschooling her children, and therefore, she no longer accepts personal emails. To contact Christina, please send an email with a reference for her to: felice@mediaangels.com
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