Understanding Scientific Description
A scientific description precisely outlines what is observed or measured, without delving into the underlying causes. It focuses on characterizing phenomena, properties, and relationships in a detailed, objective manner, often through qualitative and quantitative data. Descriptions answer 'what' questions, like 'What are the stages of mitosis?' or 'What is the boiling point of water?'.
Defining Scientific Explanation
In contrast, a scientific explanation aims to articulate why a phenomenon occurs or how it works. It involves proposing mechanisms, principles, or laws that account for observed facts, offering predictive power and deeper insight. Explanations seek to answer 'why' or 'how' questions, such as 'Why do objects fall towards the Earth?' or 'How does natural selection drive evolution?'.
A Practical Example
Consider the phenomenon of a rainbow. A scientific description would detail its appearance: an arc of colored light (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) observed in the sky opposite the sun, typically after rain. A scientific explanation, however, would involve the principles of light refraction, reflection, and dispersion within water droplets, explaining how sunlight separates into its constituent colors and why it forms an arc.
Importance in Scientific Inquiry
Distinguishing between description and explanation is vital for rigorous scientific inquiry. Descriptions lay the empirical foundation by documenting facts, while explanations build upon these facts to construct theoretical understanding. Both are indispensable: robust descriptions are necessary for accurate explanations, and compelling explanations can guide further observations and experiments, advancing knowledge.