Scientists and other researchers should focus their research on areas that are

likely to benefit the greatest number of people.

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the recommendation and explain your reasoning for the
position you take. In developing and supporting your position, describe
specific circumstances in which adopting the recommendation would or
would not be advantageous and explain how these examples shape your
position.
There are countless number of scientists and researchers involved in research
fields ranging from microbes to outer space bodies. Each research benefits a
considerable part of the population, small or big. I do not agree that the focus
of all researches should aim to benefit the greatest number of people. Some
people might agree with the same as the aim of research is further
development, but sometimes smaller inventions and discoveries play an
important part in development of something that will benefit a greater
number of people.
First of all, the countless developments in the medical field have lead to the
determination of cures to many previously known incurable diseases like
cancer. There is ongoing research on various other medical domains which
affect smaller populations but on a whole are affecting a great number of
lives. As the need of different people is different, any particular field of
research might not be able affect the greatest number of people.
In addition, the research of outer space for life on any other planet might not
lead to the discovery of one, but can lead to the solutions of major ongoing
problems like alternative energy resources as there is immense amount of
energy in outer space. Research should not be stopped or diverted to another
domain, if there are no initial discoveries, as one might not know what might
be derived out of a mere observation.
Also, the development of the internet, which began as a small private
network for communication of private data has affected the greatest number
of lives. The initial aim was a private network, which after further
development led to the internet. So it can be seen that for the invention that
affected the greatest number of lives till date was derived from a small
invention that was only serving a small number of people.
To conclude, one can never determine what a small invention or discovery
might lead to, so one should aim for new developments or explaining of
phenomenon's that are still a mystery as no one knows how many lives will
these small inventions affect in the future. The reasons and examples above
substantiate my opinion that scientists and other researchers should not
focus their research on areas which benefit the greatest number of people.