7 Theory Choice and Scientific Change Free Online FlashCards

What is theory choice?

Theory choice is the process of comparing alternatives and deciding which is best supported or most useful for guiding further research.

What is a novel, risky prediction?

A novel, risky prediction was not simply built into a theory and could have proved wrong. Its success can support the theory strongly.

What does accuracy mean when assessing a theory?

Accuracy is how closely a theory’s predictions match observations.

What are different meanings of simplicity in a theory?

Simplicity can mean fewer assumptions, fewer kinds of entities, fewer adjustable parameters, or a more unified mathematical structure.

Why is theory choice not a fixed scoring procedure?

Assessment criteria can conflict, so scientists judge which differences matter most in the research context rather than applying one fixed score.

In the orbital example, what could favor a general mechanism over a special adjustment?

A general mechanism may explain the anomaly and predict related effects, giving it greater scope and fruitfulness than a special adjustment for one planet.

Why might current evidence fail to distinguish competing theories?

When different theories make the same predictions for current observations, existing evidence may not distinguish them; new evidence or methods may be needed.

What can explain an apparent mismatch between a theory and observations?

An apparent mismatch may come from a measurement problem or an auxiliary assumption. Scientists review the broader evidence and revise theories when better-supported explanations emerge.

What makes a test especially useful for comparing theories?

A discriminating test compares outcomes that competing theories predict differently, helping reveal which theory better fits the evidence.

What does a theory’s scope measure?

Scope is the range of phenomena a theory explains, including phenomena beyond those for which it was first proposed.

What do explanatory power and unification assess?

Explanatory power concerns explaining why phenomena occur; unification connects observations that previously seemed unrelated.

What does consistency mean in theory assessment?

Consistency asks whether a theory is internally coherent and fits with well-supported knowledge in relevant fields.