Question

A scientist has been working for 15 years to develop a new type of plastic material, but she has not yet been successful. Which of the following best explains why her work is still a success? New ideas often develop from unsuccessful experimentation. The original problem was not solved and can now be abandoned. Most scientists require several decades of experimenting before achieving their goals. The scientist has demonstrated that there are no new plastics for scientists to develop.

Answer 1

As seen in most fields of research, the initial problem that one sets out to solve usually takes a long time to figure out. Through experimentation though, many unexpected outcomes can arise and lead the researcher down new paths of discovery. A project might have a large goal in sight but in getting there many small accomplishments can be had. It is these smaller pieces that allow for the project to still be considered a success, even though the main idea is still unknown. These smaller discoveries most likely directly relate to the new plastic material and will undoubtedly help the researcher develop their new plastic in the future.

NASA is a good example of this kind of research; yes their goal is space exploration but they have helped create so many other, common products that we all can benefit from independently of their success in exploring space.

http://curiosity.discovery.com/topic/physics-concepts-and-definitions/ten-nasa-inventions2.htm

Answer 2

It is a success both because new ideas can come about from unsuccessful experimentation and also because it can take scientists a long time to make discoveries. I'm not sure which one is more right, but I would guess the new ideas one.