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A scientific observation is simply what someone has seen but does not (by itself) say anything more. Scientific observations are used to formulate theories and these theories you might call "provisional facts". So, a theory is like a fact that can be overturned by a new observation and causes a newer and better theory to be formulated. After lots of observation the "provisional facts" become clearer and clearer and we get closer to "truth". A scientist's opinion (on a scientific subject) is based on the current theory which in turn is supported by all the observations that have ever been made.

A person's opinion is not an observation. It is a conclusion based on what that person believes. Some opinions can not be proven to be wrong (or right). Different people can have different opinions based on the same observations. So, an opinion can only be shown to be wrong if there is evidence to show it is wrong - and a scientific observation is an example of how this can be done.

To understand this some more, compare the scientific theory of evolution with creationist views about evolution. Both use the same observations and they disagree. Scientists use all existing observations to formulate theories and the latest and best theory is used to form their opinions because it is the one that accounts for all existing observations successfully. However, creationists start with an opinion about how evolution happened based on the Bible, then selectively ignore observations that conflict with their opinion.

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What is validity of a experiment?

In order to transform the observation of a natural phenomenon into a valid scientific experiment the following conditions must be fulfilled * It has to be a quantitative observation, that is a relationship between quantities expressing the measures of physical or chemical variables has to be obtained; * The way in which the measure has been achieved has to be carefully described so that the measure can be repeated with exactly the same procedure by different scientists, in different places and in different times; * The measurement error has to be carefully evaluated on the ground of the characteristics of the adopted measure procedure and instruments; * Every time the measure is repeated by different persons in different places and in different times the same results have to be obtained within the measurement errors; For example the so called cold fusion is not a valid scientific experiment since the results obtained in the first experiment by Fleischmann and Pons are not reproducible in other labs and the experiment procedure has never been explained in detail. Naturally, if someone claims a result but the claim is based on an observation that is not a valid experiment, it is not a scientific result, but nothing can be told on the base phenomenon, simply it has not been observed correctly.


How is the scientific theory developed?

Scientific Method is the key here . The main components of the Scientific method are 1. Observation 2. Gathering information 3. Making Hypothesis ( Hypothesis means making statement that is testable with experiment) 4. Experimentation 5. Prediction If Experiment results agreed with our Hypothesis , then our Hypothesis become the theory . If the same results are repeated by no of persons for a long period of time , Theory become law. Scientists use this method in every aspect of their work


How did scientific Revolution help inspire democratic ideas?

With increasing literacy, and scientific productivity of ordinary people, it became apparent that scientific discovery did not come only from persons having positions of priority, such as those among the nobility, but rather that no scientific investigator could be excluded on the basis of relative poverty alone.


What is a problem in a young persons life that could be solved using scientific method?

Try a psychological method, it's much more efficient.


According to the scientific method what needs to be done to move beyond conjecture or simple hypothesis in a persons understanding of their physical surrondings?

To move beyond conjecture or simple hypothesis in understanding physical surroundings, one must engage in systematic observation and experimentation. This involves formulating testable predictions based on the hypothesis, conducting controlled experiments to gather data, and analyzing the results. Importantly, the findings should be replicable and subjected to peer review to validate the conclusions drawn. This iterative process allows for the refinement of theories based on empirical evidence.

Related Questions

How would you describe a persons views?

His or Her opinion.


What is the difference between report and description?

the difference betwen report and description tex are 1. participant : - description text describes the things, places, persons, or object specifically, whereas report text describe the things, places, persons, or object generally. 2. information : description text needn't observation, whereas report text need observation and learning more about the text 3. language : description text usually doesn't use scientific language, but in report text is often found the scientific language in the text.


Are all fireplaces romantic?

It depends on a persons opinion.


Who is hotter Jacob or Justin bieber?

Neither. That is in this persons opinion


What is validity of a experiment?

In order to transform the observation of a natural phenomenon into a valid scientific experiment the following conditions must be fulfilled * It has to be a quantitative observation, that is a relationship between quantities expressing the measures of physical or chemical variables has to be obtained; * The way in which the measure has been achieved has to be carefully described so that the measure can be repeated with exactly the same procedure by different scientists, in different places and in different times; * The measurement error has to be carefully evaluated on the ground of the characteristics of the adopted measure procedure and instruments; * Every time the measure is repeated by different persons in different places and in different times the same results have to be obtained within the measurement errors; For example the so called cold fusion is not a valid scientific experiment since the results obtained in the first experiment by Fleischmann and Pons are not reproducible in other labs and the experiment procedure has never been explained in detail. Naturally, if someone claims a result but the claim is based on an observation that is not a valid experiment, it is not a scientific result, but nothing can be told on the base phenomenon, simply it has not been observed correctly.


If you were a color you would be?

that is an open question. its a persons opinion. i would be clear.


What is the chargers best player?

it could be anyone depending on the persons opinion


Something that is not difficult for a poll to measure is .?

intensity—the strength of a person’s opinion


Is person's personality born with the man?

in my opinion i would say no a persons personality is created from the people around them and would change through their life because of the different people that they meet.


What is some good music not in the charts?

Because your idea of good music may be another persons idea of awful music. Everyone has a different opinion. It depends on what the country likes as a whole.


Is McDonald's the worst restaurant?

Some people would say yes and some would say no. Each persons opinion may be different, it all depends if you like fast food.


What is Something difficult for a poll to measure?

substance-the general nature of a persons opinion....from novanet:)