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First you must understand what makes a theory, before you can know what causes it to be revised or discarded. All theories are designed with the possibility to be falsified later.

A theory is a set of logically consistent statements about some phenomenon, that best summarizes existing empirical knowledge of the phenomenon, organizes this knowledge in the form of precise statements of relationships among variables, provides a tentative explanation for the phenomenon, and serves as the basis for making predictions about behavior.

Theories are determined through abductive reasoning, and while theories are not 100% likely to be true, it is highly probable that the information is true.

Good theories are productive, and produce a great deal of research. They should be explained in the most simple of terms. Theories shouldn't force the acceptance of other assumptions in providing explanations of certain phenomena.

Many times theories are revised, because they can be stated in far simpler terms, while others are revised because new data has proven that more than one explanation can be provided for a specific phenomenon. Usually, a theory will be revised if most of the theory still holds true, and it only requires small revisions to include information that may not have been known before. Theories are thrown out when they are proven wrong, or when similar, more correct theories are created. Most theories are discarded when multiple experiments are conducted and results disprove an outdated theory.

Theories that were proven wrong:

Einstein's Static Universe Theory

Freud's Blank Slate Theory

Fleischmann and Pon's Cold Fusion Theory

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Related Questions

What may cause a future theory to be revised or discarded?

prediction


In the future what may cause a theory to be revised or discarded?

A theory may be revised or discarded in the future if new evidence emerges that contradicts its predictions, if it fails to explain or account for new phenomena, or if a more comprehensive and predictive theory is developed that encompasses its core principles. Additionally, changes in scientific paradigms, advancements in technology, or shifts in scientific consensus can also drive revisions or discarding of theories.


If after extensive research the expected observations predicted by a theory fail to materialize then the theory .?

may need to be revised or even discarded altogether. It is important for scientific theories to be tested against empirical evidence, and if the evidence does not support the predictions of the theory, it calls into question the validity of the theory itself. Scientists may need to go back to the drawing board to develop a new theory that better explains the observations.


What effect can new observations have on scientific theory?

If new observations are discovered that clash with the previous theory, then the theory will have to be revised.


A theory may be revised or replaced by a more useful explanation true or false?

true


A theory may be revised or replaced by a more useful explanation is this true or false?

True


How do scientists evalutate theories?

Scientists evaluate theories through a systematic process that includes experimentation, observation, and peer review. They test the predictions made by a theory against empirical data, seeking reproducibility and consistency. If a theory consistently aligns with observations and withstands rigorous testing, it gains acceptance; otherwise, it may be revised or discarded. Peer review and replication by other scientists further ensure the reliability and validity of the theory.


Is the following sentence true or false A theory may be revised pr replaced by a more useful explanation?

That's true. A theory es exactly that - theory... Results from experimentation can prove or disprove a theory.


Is evolution called a theory?

Evolution is called a theory based on known researched information. When or if some of the information is found to be incorrect or if new information becomes availabe, the theory may be revised.


What happens when new information is dicoverd about a theory?

The theory is evaluated in the context of the new information. The information may support the theory, it may require a tweak to the theory to accommodate the new information or it may require a major re-think of the theory.


What piece of evidence would cause scientists to decide that cell theory would need to be revised?

If scientists were to discover a new type of organism that does not fit the characteristics of cells as defined by cell theory, such as lacking a cell membrane or having a fundamentally different structure, then they may consider revising the cell theory to account for this new finding.


What happens when new evidence does not support your theory?

Depends on whether all the theory is being contradicted or only a part of theory faces contradiction. For instance; the theory of evolution by natural selection would take a theory shaking hit if we found fossil rabbits in the Cambrian period, which has not happened. Only part of the theory of evolution by natural selection was contradicted by Mendelian genetics, when Mendel's much better heritability mechanism replaced Darwin's idea about blending inheritance. The theory only got stronger by this ratification.If that new evidence is solid enough, it may require a revision of the theory. If it is just shaky and occurs because of some error in the experiment, it is usually discarded as uncredible.