Question

in examining disputes over climate change, nuclear waste, and gmos, arizona state university scholar daniel sarewitz observed that opposing parties typically possess ____ scientific evidence—the problem, he argued, stems from the fact that ecological complexity allows properly conducted research to yield findings compatible with separate and contradictory policy positions.

3 mark for review

which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

a incomplete

b irrefutable

c legitimate

d conflicting

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the context. The text says ecological complexity allows research to support contradictory policy positions, meaning opposing parties have evidence that's valid (legitimate) for their stances. "Incomplete" doesn't fit as the issue isn't lack of evidence. "Irrefutable" is too strong, and "conflicting" would imply the evidence itself is conflicting, but the problem is about evidence supporting different positions, not the evidence being conflicting. So "legitimate" makes sense as each party has valid evidence.

Answer:

C. legitimate