Basics
Prediction and Testing
Prediction and Testing
Prediction and Testing
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In science, every hypothesis and theory must be tested by using them to
make predictions
about how a particular system will behave,
then observing nature to see if the system behaves as predicted. For
example, if we hypothesize that all objects fall when they are dropped
then that idea can be tested by dropping all sorts of objects.
When a theory or a group of related theories has been tested extensively and seems to apply everywhere in the universe, and when we have had enough experience with it to have a lot confidence that it is true, we generally elevate the theory to a new status. We call it a law of nature, an overarching statement of how the universe works. In the example of the falling objects, we shall see that the theory that `objects fall when dropped' has been replaced by Isaac Newtons more sophisticated and general laws of motion, and the laws of universal gravitation. Remember - we never stop questioning the validity of our hy hypothesis, theories, or laws of nature. Scientists constantly think up new, more rigorous experiments to test the limits of our theories. In fact, one of the central tenants of science is: | |
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Charlotte Elster