The phrase "I don't know if this is the wrong section, but" is often used as a disclaimer or introduction to a question that may not be directly related to the current topic or section. It is a way for the asker to acknowledge that their question may be out of place and to ask for assistance in redirecting it if necessary.
Some people may use this phrase as a way to express hesitation or uncertainty about the relevance of their question. They may not want to disrupt the flow of the conversation or be seen as interrupting the current topic, so they use this phrase to acknowledge their uncertainty before asking their question.
The use of this phrase can be seen as polite, as it shows consideration for the current topic and allows for redirection if needed. However, it is not necessary to use this phrase every time you have a question and can become repetitive if overused.
Scientists may use this phrase in their professional or academic settings, but it is not a common practice in the scientific community. In scientific discussions, it is more common to directly ask a question or make a statement without prefacing it with this phrase.
No, the validity of a question is not affected by the use of this phrase. It is simply a way for the asker to acknowledge any potential uncertainty or relevance of their question before asking it. The validity of the question depends on the content and context of the question itself.