Scientific Fact — Definition & Examples

Facts in Science

A scientific fact is an undeniably true statement accepted by the science community. It can be proven to be correct through observations and testing. This process is known as the scientific method.

However, it's important to remember that nothing is ever final in science. Even facts can change over time if new, disputing discoveries happen.

For example, scientists agreed for a long time that the appendix has no function in the body. Researchers proved that there were no health defects after removing the appendix during surgery. Therefore, they believed the appendix had no function. However, scientists recently discovered that the appendix might actually have an important role in fighting off diseases. If the function of the appendix is proven through experiments and observation, it becomes a new scientific fact.

Fact or Opinion?

Facts are unquestionably true ideas. They are often direct, objective observations about the natural world like “the sun is out" or “it is raining". They are universally accepted as true, which means that everyone who observes them agrees that they are true. They can be definitions and entries found in an encyclopedia, too.

Opinions, on the other hand, express a personal belief or feeling. They often include the phrases "I think", "I feel", or "I believe".

(Video) Fact vs. Theory vs. Hypothesis vs. Law

by It's Okay To Be Smart

We use words like "fact" and "theory" every day, but what do they really mean? This video explains the differences between "fact", "theory", "hypothesis", and "law" and how these words are used in science.

What Is a Fact?

It is something that can be proven to be true through direct observation.

Sometimes they can be confused for opinions. The difference between facts and opinions is that an opinion expresses an individual's personal beliefs, views, feelings, or ideas about a particular topic. On the other hand, a fact is something that is universally accepted.

Facts can also change over time. For example, people used to believe that Earth was at the center of the solar system. However, once we made more observations and gathered more evidence, we were able to show that Earth actually orbits the sun, not the other way around.