6 Testing Theories and Falsification Free Online FlashCards

What makes a theory empirically testable?

A theory is empirically testable when it rules out some possible observations.

What does falsifiability require of a scientific theory?

It must risk conflict with conceivable evidence; a claim compatible with every possible observation makes no risky empirical prediction.

What observation would conflict with “all swans are white”?

One reliably identified non-white swan conflicts with the claim that all swans are white.

Why don’t successful tests usually prove a broad theory true?

No finite set of successful tests usually proves a broad theory true; successful tests instead affect how strongly evidence warrants accepting it.

What does it mean to say a theory is corroborated?

A theory that withstands serious attempts to refute it is corroborated, not conclusively verified.

What does it mean for evidence to confirm a hypothesis?

Evidence confirms a hypothesis when it provides support for it, but confirmation is not proof.

How does the hypothetico-deductive approach test a hypothesis?

Scientists derive a prediction from a hypothesis together with background assumptions, then compare that prediction with observed evidence.

What are auxiliary assumptions in a scientific test?

They are supporting claims about the setup, instruments, initial conditions, and methods used to interpret results.

Why doesn’t a failed prediction automatically show that the central theory is wrong?

Because a prediction depends on auxiliary assumptions as well as the theory, a failed prediction challenges their combined set without identifying which part is at fault.

What is the Duhem–Quine problem?

It is the problem that hypotheses are tested in groups rather than in isolation.

How can scientists investigate a failed prediction?

They can check instruments and procedures, test auxiliary assumptions independently where possible, repeat experiments, and compare alternatives.

When can revising an auxiliary assumption undermine a theory’s testability?

Changing an assumption is reasonable when independent evidence supports it; changing assumptions solely to shield a favored theory from every contrary result risks making it immune to testing.