Difference between revisions of "Scientific theory"
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For a theory to exist, it must start as a hypothesis, go through vigorous testing and re-testing, and remain true throughout the testing. If the hypothesis remains true, then it can be identified as a theory. If it does not, the scientist must return to his hypothesis to alter it or completely start over.<ref>Wile, Dr. Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Biology''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1998</ref> | For a theory to exist, it must start as a hypothesis, go through vigorous testing and re-testing, and remain true throughout the testing. If the hypothesis remains true, then it can be identified as a theory. If it does not, the scientist must return to his hypothesis to alter it or completely start over.<ref>Wile, Dr. Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Biology''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1998</ref> | ||
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| + | == Alternate usage == | ||
| + | Scientists also speak about tentative theories that may have had little or no testing. For them, a theory is just a connected set of hypotheses that is worthy of scientific consideration. For example, they may discuss [[String Theory]] or a theory of extraterrestial intelligence, even though these theories have no supporting evidence. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
Revision as of 18:41, March 7, 2007
A scientific theory is a scientific hypothesis that has undergone numerous checks that confirm its validity as a theory.
What is needed for a theory?
For a theory to exist, it must start as a hypothesis, go through vigorous testing and re-testing, and remain true throughout the testing. If the hypothesis remains true, then it can be identified as a theory. If it does not, the scientist must return to his hypothesis to alter it or completely start over.[1]
Alternate usage
Scientists also speak about tentative theories that may have had little or no testing. For them, a theory is just a connected set of hypotheses that is worthy of scientific consideration. For example, they may discuss String Theory or a theory of extraterrestial intelligence, even though these theories have no supporting evidence.
References
- ↑ Wile, Dr. Jay L. Exploring Creation With Biology. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1998