Which of the following is an example of how economics can affect science?

A. Limited funding may lead scientists to research one topic instead of another.
B. Legislators may create new laws about the use of natural resources based on the recommendations of scientists.
C. A health crisis may drive scientists to prioritize research on new medications or vaccines.
D. Community leaders may use scientific data to support a recommendation for costly pollution clean-ups

What do you think?

I think it is A

I agree.

The correct answer is A. Limited funding may lead scientists to research one topic instead of another.

To arrive at this answer, let's first understand the relationship between economics and science. Economics refers to the study of how resources are allocated and how choices are made in society. Science, on the other hand, entails the systematic study of the natural world through observation, experimentation, and analysis.

There are several ways in which economics can affect science. Let's examine each option provided and see how it aligns with the influence of economics on science:

A. Limited funding may lead scientists to research one topic instead of another.
This option demonstrates how economics can influence scientific research. In many cases, the availability of funding determines the areas of research that scientists can pursue. Limited funds may force them to prioritize one topic over another based on its potential for funding or potential economic impact.

B. Legislators may create new laws about the use of natural resources based on the recommendations of scientists.
While this option involves the interaction between science and legislation, it does not directly illustrate how economics affects science. The decision-making process of legislators may take scientific recommendations into account, but it does not necessarily involve economic considerations.

C. A health crisis may drive scientists to prioritize research on new medications or vaccines.
This option focuses on how external factors, such as a health crisis, influence the priorities of scientific research. Although economics may indirectly factor into the affordability and accessibility of medications or vaccines, this option does not specifically address the economic impact on science itself.

D. Community leaders may use scientific data to support a recommendation for costly pollution clean-ups.
This option demonstrates the use of scientific data in decision-making by community leaders. While economics may play a role in determining the financial feasibility of pollution clean-ups, this option does not directly address how economics affects scientific research.

Therefore, the option that best exemplifies how economics can affect science is A. Limited funding may lead scientists to research one topic instead of another. Limited funding can influence the allocation of resources and the choice of research topics, shaping the direction and focus of scientific inquiry.