Value-laden Science

Value-laden science refers to scientific research influenced by societal, cultural, ethical, or personal values. While science aims to be objective, researchers and audiences may have underlying preferences or biases that shape research questions, interpretations, or priorities. For example, funding decisions or areas of focus can be driven by what a society considers important or acceptable. Recognizing value-laden elements helps us understand that science doesn’t exist in a vacuum but is interconnected with human values and contexts, affecting the choices made in scientific inquiry and how findings are applied.