- Consistent (internally & externally)
- Parsimonious (sparing in proposed entities, explanations)
- Useful (describes & explains observed phenomena)
- Empirically Testable & Falsifiable.
- Based upon Controlled, Repeated Experiments.
What are the 4 requirements that makes something scientific?
- Make an observation.
- Ask a question.
- Form a hypothesis, or testable explanation.
- Make a prediction based on the hypothesis.
- Test the prediction.
- Iterate: use the results to make new hypotheses or predictions.
What are the requirements of a valid theory?
There are many definitions out there, but there is some common ground to them. They all tend to agree that a theory needs to be (a) substantiated , (b) explanatory, (c) predictive, and (d) testable.
What are the qualities of a good scientific theory?
- Testable: Theories can be supported through a series of scientific research projects or experiments. ...
- Replicable: In other words, theories must also be able to be repeated by others. ...
- Stable: Another characteristic of theories is that they must be stable. ...
- Simple: A theory should be simple.
How do you know if a theory is valid?
In order to see if a theory is valid you could use a scientific method to gather data to determine its validity (Mosser, 2013). Once the data is collected and your point is made it is considered to be a theory.
What is the first step in the scientific method?
The first step in the Scientific Method is to make objective observations . These observations are based on specific events that have already happened and can be verified by others as true or false. Step 2. Form a hypothesis.
What makes a theory true?
A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that can incorporate laws, hypotheses and facts. ... A theory not only explains known facts; it also allows scientists to make predictions of what they should observe if a theory is true . Scientific theories are testable.
What are the 10 steps of the scientific method?
- 1 – Make an Observation. You can’t study what you don’t know is there. ...
- 2 – Ask a Question. ...
- 3 – Do Background Research. ...
- 4 – Form a Hypothesis. ...
- 5 – Conduct an Experiment. ...
- 6 – Analyze Results and Draw a Conclusion. ...
- 7 – Report Your Results.
What are the 5 rules of science?
- Act responsibly in the science classroom / lab. ...
- Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. ...
- Never work alone. ...
- Do not touch equipment or chemicals in the lab until your teacher gives instructions.
- Do not eat, drink or chew gum in the science classroom / lab.
- Do not drink from lab containers.
What are the six basic steps of scientific method?
The six steps of the scientific method include: 1) asking a question about something you observe, 2) doing background research to learn what is already known about the topic, 3) constructing a hypothesis , 4) experimenting to test the hypothesis, 5) analyzing the data from the experiment and drawing conclusions, and 6) ...
What are the 3 characteristics of a good theory?
One lesson is that the reason a “good” theory should be testable, be coherent, be economical, be generalizable , and explain known findings is that all of these characteristics serve the primary function of a theory–to be generative of new ideas and new discoveries.
What is scientific theory example?
A scientific theory is a verifiable explanation of natural phenomenon. For example, the theory of gravity explains why an apple always falls to the ground when dropped . A law, on the other hand, is an observation. In simpler terms, a law predicts what happens and a theory explains why.
What are good theories?
A good theory in the theoretical sense is (1) consistent with empirical observations ; is (2) precise, (3) parsimonious, (4) explanatorily broad, and (5) falsifiable; and (6) promotes scientific progress (among others; Table 1.1).
Why is law accepted as fact but a theory is not?
Explain why a law is accepted as fact, but a theory is not. Theories are not accepted as fact because new information or technology can show that the theory is incomplete or incorrect . A law is accepted as fact because it is a statement of what will happen and no exceptions have ever been found.
What qualifies as a theory?
A theory is a carefully thought-out explanation for observations of the natural world that has been constructed using the scientific method , and which brings together many facts and hypotheses. ... A scientist makes an observation of a natural phenomenon.
What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
In scientific reasoning, a hypothesis is an assumption made before any research has been completed for the sake of testing. A theory on the other hand is a principle set to explain phenomena already supported by data.
