Table of Contents
How does a scientific theory become accepted?
Every scientific theory starts as a hypothesis. If enough evidence accumulates to support a hypothesis, it moves to the next step — known as a theory — in the scientific method and becomes accepted as a valid explanation of a phenomenon.
What is an accepted scientific theory?
A scientific theory is accepted as a scientific truth, supported by evidence collected by many scientists. That does not necessarily mean that evidence does not exist against a theory does not exist, it simply means that evidence has yet to be identified.
How do scientific theories and laws compare?
As previously stated, a scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world. A scientific law is simply an observation of the phenomenon that the theory attempts to explain. The theory of gravity is the explanation as to why the apple falls to the ground. A law is an observation.
How is a hypothesis upgraded to a law?
If evidence supports a hypothesis, it is upgraded to a theory. If the theory then garners even more support, it may be upgraded to a law. Scientific ideas are judged democratically based on popularity. The job of a scientist is to find support for his or her hypotheses.
What happens to scientific theories to be accepted as true?
Truth in science is never final but is always subject to modification and revision. Sometimes a theory may come to be widely accepted, but then a new experiment or observation may provide evidence inconsistent with the theory and force scientists to discard it in favor of a new explanation.
How are scientific ideas judged based on popularity?
Scientific ideas are judged democratically based on popularity. The job of a scientist is to find support for his or her hypotheses. Scientists are judged on the basis of how many correct hypotheses they propose (i.e., good scientists are the ones who are “right” most often).
How is science used to disprove ideas?
Science can only disprove ideas. If evidence supports a hypothesis, it is upgraded to a theory. If the theory then garners even more support, it may be upgraded to a law. Scientific ideas are judged democratically based on popularity.