Blog Post #5 – Third Round of Research

In this final research post, I plan to research my last sub question, when and what causes a scientific theory to change?

As previously discussed, when new scientific evidence is discovered, a scientific theory may either be modified or rejected if it does not fit the new findings. (1) When the evidence refutes the theory, it must be changed. (6) Many previous scientific theories have been proven to be false and subsequently abandoned. (2) To understand science is to understand physical change (4) and scientific theories reflect this. A scientific theory must stand up to all scientific testing. (5) Scientific theories cannot be fully accepted because there is no way of knowing if all the possible data is known or ever can be known for a specific phenomenon. (3) When scientists make new discoveries, a scientific theory is liable to change in order to remain as accurate as possible. (5) Science recognizes that there are no absolute certainties, so it is understandable that scientific theories will change and develop over time. (3) By creating more theories, we will broaden our understanding of the world. (4)

In these instances, a more accurate theory is then required. (1) This is one of the reasons a scientific theory would change. In some cases, the theory is even discarded after the discovery of new evidence. (6) These new scientific observations cause changes. (7) Scientists can change their own theories when new information is discovered. (5) However, some theories are so well established that they are unlikely to ever be changed. (1) This is ultimately the goal when creating a new scientific theory. Scientists also are interested in learning what parts of theories are more likely to survive than others. (2) This makes it easier to predict when theories will be modified over time. (3)

Scientific theories have what can essentially be considered an expiry date. (2) There are historical and philosophical components to this. (4) Just as society changes over time, so does science. The relationship between these things is heavy and can be explored in depth. Social, political, or religious convictions can also affect a scientific theory. (7) Time is a very complex variable when looking at the development and growth of these theories. (7)

Scientific theory and its process is very complicated. However, by doing this project I think I have learned a lot about how it works and I’ve gained a better understanding that will help my future science work. Thank you for following my posts and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading them!