A simple example of the contrast:
How old is the Earth?

 

Scientific view obtained from experimentation and observation

The Earth is 4.54 billion years +/- 45.4 million years old.

Determined by radiometric dating of meteorite samples, lunar materials, and the oldest Earth rocks.
 

References:

"Age of the Earth". U.S. Geological Survey. 1997. http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/geotime/age.html
Dalrymple, G. Brent (2001). Geological Society of London 190: 205-221.
Manhesa, G.; Allegrea, C J.; Duprea, B; and Hamelin, B (1980). Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Elsevier B.V. 47: 370-382.
 

A "practical realism" view from Young Earth Creationists

The Earth is 6015 years old.

Based on analysis of the genealogies of the "Old Testament" by Bishop James Ussher. The Earth began at 9:00 am on October 23, 4004 B.C.

References:

Ussher, J, 1650. Annales veteris testamenti (Annals of the Old Testament, various translations are available) 

From the Institute for Creation Research

...the Bible indicates that the creation of all things was accomplished in a six-day period just a few thousand years ago. The earth was created on Day One while the sun, moon, and stars were created on Day Four.

... according to our creationist perspective, nothing in all of creation is older than the earth, because it was created "in the beginning" (Genesis 1:1).  http://www.icr.org/article/how-young-earth/

In this case, a belief in the unerring word of the Bible and a literal interpretation of Genesis 1:1, makes it impossible for these believers to accept the physical measurements.
 

The question to ask:
Do the facts shape the belief or do the beliefs shape the facts?