![]() ![]() We are all familiar with theories which had to be discarded in the face ofexperimental evidence. A description which is valid at all length scalesis given by the equations of quantum mechanics. For example, the laws of classical mechanics (Newton'sLaws) are valid only when the velocities of interest are much smaller than thespeed of light (that is, in algebraic form, when v/c > 10 -8 m). If the predictions of a long-standing theory are found to be in disagreementwith new experimental results, the theory may be discarded as a description ofreality, but it may continue to be applicable within a limited range ofmeasurable parameters. Theories which cannot be tested,because, for instance, they have no observable ramifications (such as, aparticle whose characteristics make it unobservable), do not qualify asscientific theories. Note that the necessity of experiment alsoimplies that a theory must be testable. Inphysics, as in every experimental science, "experiment is supreme" andexperimental verification of hypothetical predictions is absolutely necessary.Experiments may test the theory directly (for example, the observation of a newparticle) or may test for consequences derived from the theory usingmathematics and logic (the rate of a radioactive decay process requiring theexistence of the new particle). Further, nomatter how elegant a theory is, its predictions must agree with experimentalresults if we are to believe that it is a valid description of nature. The scientificmethod requires that an hypothesis be ruled out or modified if its predictionsare clearly and repeatedly incompatible with experimental tests. Testing hypothesesĪs just stated, experimental tests may lead either to the confirmationof the hypothesis, or to the ruling out of the hypothesis. There is always the possibility that a new observation or a newexperiment will conflict with a long-standing theory. It is often said in science that theories can never be proved, onlydisproved. What is key in the description of the scientific methodjust given is the predictive power (the ability to get more out of the theorythan you put in see Barrow, 1991) of the hypothesis or theory, as tested byexperiment. ![]() If the experiments do not bear out the hypothesis, it must berejected or modified. If the experiments bear out the hypothesis it may come to be regarded as atheory or law of nature (more on the concepts of hypothesis, model, theory andlaw below). ![]() Performance of experimental tests of the predictions by several independentexperimenters and properly performed experiments. Use of the hypothesis to predict the existence of other phenomena, or topredict quantitatively the results of new observations.Ĥ. In physics, thehypothesis often takes the form of a causal mechanism or a mathematicalrelation.ģ. Formulation of an hypothesis to explain the phenomena. Observation and description of a phenomenon or group of phenomena.Ģ. As a famous scientist once said, "Smart people (like smartlawyers) can come up with very good explanations for mistaken points of view."In summary, the scientific method attempts to minimize the influence of bias orprejudice in the experimenter when testing an hypothesis or a theory. Recognizing that personal and cultural beliefs influence both ourperceptions and our interpretations of natural phenomena, we aim through theuse of standard procedures and criteria to minimize those influences whendeveloping a theory. The scientific method is the process by which scientists, collectivelyand over time, endeavor to construct an accurate (that is, reliable, consistentand non-arbitrary) representation of the world. Are there circumstances in which the Scientific Method is not applicable? Common Mistakes in Applying the Scientific Method Introduction to the Scientific Method APPENDIX E: Introduction to the Scientific Method ![]()
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