Which question cannot be answered through making measurements? a. How does a decline in honeybees affect the pollination of crops? b. Should humans stop using chemicals that harm honeybees? c. Which chemicals produced by humans cause harm to honeybees? d. How much has the honeybee population declined in North America?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is b. Should humans stop using chemicals that harm honeybees?
Explanation:
Questions that can be answered through making measurements are typically empirical and objective — they rely on collecting data, observing, or quantifying phenomena. Let’s examine each option:
a. How does a decline in honeybees affect the pollination of crops?
This question can be answered by measuring pollination rates, crop yields, and comparing these data over time with changes in honeybee populations. Scientists can collect quantitative data on pollination success and crop production, making this an answerable question through measurement.
b. Should humans stop using chemicals that harm honeybees?
This is a value-based or ethical question, not a scientific one. It involves judgments about what should be done, which depends on societal values, ethics, economics, and policy considerations, rather than measurable data alone. Scientific measurements can inform the discussion (e.g., how harmful the chemicals are), but the decision to stop usage requires weighing benefits and risks, ethical values, and policy debates that cannot be resolved by measurement alone.
c. Which chemicals produced by humans cause harm to honeybees?
This is a scientific question that can be answered through experiments and measurements. Researchers can expose bees to various chemicals, observe effects, and identify harmful substances. This involves measurable toxicological data.
d. How much has the honeybee population declined in North America?
This is a quantitative question, answerable by measuring population numbers over time via surveys, counts, and monitoring programs.
Summary:
- Questions a, c, and d are scientific and empirical, answerable through data collection and measurement.
- Question b is normative and ethical, requiring subjective judgment and values beyond measurement.
Thus, “Should humans stop using chemicals that harm honeybees?” cannot be answered through measurement alone. It requires ethical considerations, policy decisions, and value judgments.