In this blog post, I plan to research how scientific theories are created. Scientific theories are the foundations for furthering scientific knowledge (1) and are accepted as a scientific truth. (6) They provide an accepted explanation for something (7) and a carefully thought-out explanation for observations of the natural world. (2)
Scientific theories are testable. (3) The more tests it passes and the more facts it explains, the stronger the theory is. (3) Results from these tests can be added as a piece of evidence that is consistent with the predictions. A hypothesis must be tested repeatedly. (6) They are often not carefully structured (7) and have a great scope. (7)
A scientific theory becomes acceptable until it is disproved. (4) It must be supported by a great deal of evidence to become acceptable. (6) Theory change is a process of feedback, experiment, observation, and communication. (5) However, a scientific theory never evolves to a fact. (4) They are the framework for observations and facts, (1) but they are an explanation of one or more facts. (4) This process of development and hypothesis can take years. (5)
Scientific theories can be incorporated into larger theories (2) and they generate accurate expectation. (5) They are not the end result of the scientific method. (1) New evidence that is discovered should be compatible with the theory. (3) If it is not, it can be a way of disproving the theory.
In my next blog post, I plan to research what makes a scientific theory correct and accepted. Thank you so much for reading!
- https://www.livescience.com/21491-what-is-a-scientific-theory-definition-of-theory.html#:~:text=Every%20scientific%20theory%20relies%20on,and%20begin%20the%20process%20again.
- https://www.fieldmuseum.org/blog/what-do-we-mean-theory-science
- https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/darwin/evolution-today/what-is-a-theory#:~:text=Scientific%20theories%20are%20testable.,explains—the%20stronger%20the%20theory.
- https://www.newscientist.com/lastword/mg25233662-400-when-does-a-theory-become-a-fact-and-who-decides/
- https://undsci.berkeley.edu/understanding-science-101/how-science-works/even-theories-change/
- https://bio.libretexts.org/Courses/Saint_Mary%27s_College_Notre_Dame_IN/Foundations_of_Form_and_Function/01%3A_Introduction_Intro_to_Diversity/1.01%3A_The_Science_of_Biology/1.1.03%3A_An_Example_of_Scientific_Inquiry-_Darwin_and_Evolution/1.1.3.02%3A_Scientific_Theories
- https://www.britannica.com/science/scientific-theory
Hey Aniela! Very interesting post! I liked your post because of how it was easy to understand and got straight to the point. A cool point you mentioned was about how theories are acceptable until disapproved. My question to you would be, how often do scientific theories get disapproved and by who? What gives those who disapprove of them the power to do so?
This article talks all about scientific theories. I hope it helps!
https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/darwin/evolution-today/what-is-a-theory#:~:text=Scientific%20theories%20are%20testable.,explains%E2%80%94the%20stronger%20the%20theory.
Your topic is very interesting and I look forward to reading more about it!
Anannya B