Which of the following statements best describes science?

The statement that science is a systematic study of reality captures the essence of the scientific method and the nature of scientific inquiry. Science involves structured and organized approaches to investigating natural phenomena, collecting data, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions based on empirical evidence. This systematic study allows scientists to develop reliable knowledge about the world, test their ideas rigorously, and provide explanations that can be verified and replicated by others.

In contrast to a simple collection of beliefs, science relies on observable and testable evidence rather than subjective opinions. While random observations may play a role in sparking scientific questions or hypotheses, they lack the systematic approach and rigorous methodology that characterizes actual scientific research. Lastly, science is not a tool for proving personal opinions; rather, it seeks to challenge and confirm ideas through evidence and to build a body of knowledge that can evolve over time as new discoveries are made.