0
How does the scientific use of the word theory compare with the common use of this word?
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
The common use of "theory" is a "hypothesis" or a guess.
The scientific usage implies accuracy and precision (strict testing and retesting that produce the exact same results). Consequently, the results of those tests are considered to be "facts." The only reason why they're not precisely called "facts" is because science allows the possibility that researches overlooked something in determining that theory.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
A sentence with the word scientific theory?
A scientific theory is a model that withstands testing, like evolution.
Why are scientific theories said to be just a theory?
People tend to say that scientific theories are "just" a theory because of a confusion between the common usage of "theory" and the scientific definition. (In everyday speech people often use the word "theory" in the sense of a "hunch" or "vague idea". This is not what the word means in a scientific context). A scientific theory is deduced from observations and is the simplest way of describing natural phenomena. It is testable, observable, predictable, and falsifiable. Scientific theories are not the same thing as hypotheses, which are explanations that haven't been demonstrated or verified. A scientific theory has evidence to back it up. The common usage of 'theory' suggests an explanation that someone hasn't proven, or isn't able to prove. It doesn't imply evidence that has been tested; it doesn't imply predictability. When someone hears, for example, "Big Bang theory" or "the theory of evolution", they may hear the word 'theory' and associate those scientific theories with someone's opinion or suggestion. In reality, these theories are the best scientific explanations for a myriad of phenomena across multiple scientific definitions. In science, "just a theory" is a very good place to be.
Answers for scientific method word search?
analysis charts compare conclusion control data dependent equipment experiments graphs hypothesis problem process reliable safety rules science scientific method scientists steps theory variable
How do you define theory?
In the general, every day sense of the word a theory is a supposition, a hunch or a speculation. It is unproven.A Scientific Theory is completely different from an every day theory. A scientific theory summarizes a hypothesis that has been supported with repeated testing and with facts that can be observed and/or measured. With that support a hypothesis moves to the next step in the scientific method and becomes accepted as a valid explanation of a phenomenon. Facts are the framework for the scientific method and a Scientific Theory is supported by facts.
Is an every day theory and a scientific theory the same?
No. A scientific theory is a proven set of rules describing reality. The "everyday" usage of the word is what a scientist would call a hypothesis, and others would call an unsubstantiated guess.
Is scientific theory one word or two?
Scientific theory is two words.
How is a scientific hypothesis from a scientific theory?
Have you heard the word "theory" used in a different way by non scientists in everyday conversation? How is this use of the word different from a scientific theory?
A sentence with the word scientific theory?
A scientific theory is a model that withstands testing, like evolution.
Why are scientific theories said to be just a theory?
People tend to say that scientific theories are "just" a theory because of a confusion between the common usage of "theory" and the scientific definition. (In everyday speech people often use the word "theory" in the sense of a "hunch" or "vague idea". This is not what the word means in a scientific context). A scientific theory is deduced from observations and is the simplest way of describing natural phenomena. It is testable, observable, predictable, and falsifiable. Scientific theories are not the same thing as hypotheses, which are explanations that haven't been demonstrated or verified. A scientific theory has evidence to back it up. The common usage of 'theory' suggests an explanation that someone hasn't proven, or isn't able to prove. It doesn't imply evidence that has been tested; it doesn't imply predictability. When someone hears, for example, "Big Bang theory" or "the theory of evolution", they may hear the word 'theory' and associate those scientific theories with someone's opinion or suggestion. In reality, these theories are the best scientific explanations for a myriad of phenomena across multiple scientific definitions. In science, "just a theory" is a very good place to be.
What are the three theories of evolution?
In the scientific sense of the word 'theory' (ie. testable explanatory model), there is just the one theory of evolution: evolutionary theory, which incorporates the central theses of common descent and natural selection.
Answers for scientific method word search?
analysis charts compare conclusion control data dependent equipment experiments graphs hypothesis problem process reliable safety rules science scientific method scientists steps theory variable
How is a scientific theory different from a hypothesis?
Have you heard the word "theory" used in a different way by non scientists in everyday conversation? How is this use of the word different from a scientific theory?
What does it mean when it states that evolution is just a theory?
Evolution is a fact. The theory of evolution by natural selection is what you are trying to talk about. When someone says " evolution is just a theory " they are using the vulgar, common sense of the word theory. They mean guess, hunch and the like. The theory of evolution by natural selection is in the scientific sense of the word theory, which means a body of explanatory work supported by myriad lines of converging evidence that has been tested rigouusly and replicated often. Any good dictionary uses this scientific meaning of theory as the primary meaning of the word.
What is a 6 letter word for a scientific belief?
A scientific hypothesis that has been rigorously tested, is then known as a 'theory'.
How does an atheist try to reconcile evolutionary theory with the design argument?
For an Atheist, it's simple: Evolutionary scientific theory has mountians of testible evidence and Design theory has no testible evidence or proof, just conjecture and usually unfounded conclusions that require "faith" (belief in a system without, or in contrary to, evidence). Keep in mind that scientific theory and the common useage of the word "theory" have two different definitions.
How do you define theory?
In the general, every day sense of the word a theory is a supposition, a hunch or a speculation. It is unproven.A Scientific Theory is completely different from an every day theory. A scientific theory summarizes a hypothesis that has been supported with repeated testing and with facts that can be observed and/or measured. With that support a hypothesis moves to the next step in the scientific method and becomes accepted as a valid explanation of a phenomenon. Facts are the framework for the scientific method and a Scientific Theory is supported by facts.
Is an every day theory and a scientific theory the same?
No. A scientific theory is a proven set of rules describing reality. The "everyday" usage of the word is what a scientist would call a hypothesis, and others would call an unsubstantiated guess.
