What do we mean when we talk about a "scientific theory?"

Facts are the backbone of any good scientific theory.

 

A scientific theory is a well-organized framework for explaining a set of natural-world facts or events, and it frequently uses a scientific hypothesis and rules. The common usage of the word "theory" differs significantly from the scientific one.

 

Professor of biology at Boston's Emerson College Jaime Tanner remarked, "The way that scientists use the word 'theory' is a little different from the average layperson's use of the word." "The common understanding of the word "theory" is that it refers to an individual's speculations or hypotheses, whereas in science, the word "theory" refers to our explanations of observed phenomena."

 

Involvement in the development of a scientific hypothesis

 

The scientific process is the backbone of any accepted scientific notion. A scientist can notice something, form a hypothesis about what it means, and then experiment to see if the hypothesis holds water. If the hypothesis is disproved, the scientist will create a new one and start the procedure again. The experiment will be repeated to see if the findings confirm the hypothesis. According to the Field Museum, if a scientist's hypothesis is not disproven or replaced by a better explanation, the scientist may use the hypothesis as part of a larger theory that helps to explain what was seen and shows how it is related to other things.

 

Like hypotheses, scientific theories can be tested and proven or disproved as part of the scientific method. Also, theories are improved and updated as new information comes in, which makes it easier to trust their predictions.

 

Theoretical frameworks provide the groundwork for expanding scientific understanding and applying research findings. Scientists rely on theories to create new technologies and discover treatments for diseases.

 

In addition, as Tanner pointed out, a scientific theory serves as a basis for evidence and data. The facts remain the same regardless of the theories or interpretations used to explain them. Tanner says that theories are like a basket where scientists put all the information they gather. The basket's shape may shift as more data is collected and analyzed. For instance, we have ample evidence of traits in populations becoming more or less common over time (evolution). Hence, evolution is a fact, but "the overarching theories about evolution, the way that we think all the facts go together, might change as new observations of evolution are made," Tanner told Live Science.

 

features of a well-developed hypothesis

 

According to Berkeley's definition (link opens in a new tab): "a natural, all-encompassing explanation for a variety of events. Theories are able to integrate and generalize a large number of assumptions while being succinct, coherent, systematic, predictive, and generally applicable. "

 

Philip Kitcher, retired professor of philosophy at Columbia University, lists three qualities necessary for a credible scientific explanation. To begin, it is unified, which implies that it consists of a small set of solutions that may be used in various scientific contexts. Second, a solid scientific hypothesis leads to intriguing follow-up inquiries and potential study sites. That's right; a theory doesn't have to account for everything to be useful. In conclusion, a sound theory is built around testable assumptions.

 

Distinctions among hypotheses, data, and rules

 

An in-depth analysis of the evidence is essential for each scientific theory. The difference between fact and theory is vast. The scientific method makes a clear difference between facts, things that can be seen or measured, and hypotheses, which are how scientists explain and make sense of the facts.

 

Although some may assume otherwise, theories and rules serve different purposes in the scientific method. A universally valid description of a natural phenomenon is a law, and laws are the basis of scientific inquiry. It merely asserts that something is true without offering justification for the claim. On the other hand, a hypothesis explains the results of a scientific investigation. The National Center for Science Education says that law and theory play different roles in the scientific method.

 

The work of Gregor Mendel is an excellent illustration of the distinction between a theory and a law. Mendel found that the appearance of two different hereditary features in offspring occurred independently. "And yet, Mendel was completely ignorant about genetics and chromosomes. "A Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology biology and biomedical engineering associate professor named Peter Coppinger remarked that Mendel's principles had no molecular explanation until the discovery of DNA and chromosomes a century laterdel was completely ignorant about genetics and chromosomes. "A Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology biology and biomedical engineering associate professor named Peter Coppinger remarked that Mendel's principles had no molecular explanation until the discovery of DNA and chromosomes a century later." It wasn't until the development of the notion of chromosomal inheritance that scientists like T.H. Morgan, studying fruit flies, could explain the Law of Independent Assortment. This continues to be the most widely held theory (explanation) for Mendel's Law.

Reference : https://www.livescience.com/21491-what-is-a-scientific-theory-definition-of-theory.html

Image source : https://pixabay.com/id/vectors/mikroskop-riset-laboratorium-sains-3101403/