Scientific Theories and Hypotheses

Questions and Answers

What is a theory?

A set of related assumptions that allows scientists to use logical deductive reasoning to formulate testable hypotheses.

What is a hypothesis?

A hypothesis is more specific than the theories that give them birth and suggests a possibility that allows for testing.

Theories are proven facts.

False

What is taxonomy?

Taxonomy is a classification of things according to their natural relationships. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of theories with their characteristics:

Formal Theories = Based on data from observations of large numbers of people Personal Theories = Derived from observations of a limited number of persons Signup and view all the answers

What must a theory have for it to be tested?

A theory must have empirical translation that leads to formulation of many testable hypotheses. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two different kinds of research that a useful theory will generate?

Descriptive research and hypothesis testing. Signup and view all the answers

What does falsifiability mean in the context of a theory?

Falsifiability means a theory must be precise enough to allow for research that supports or rejects its principles. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Theory and Hypothesis

A theory consists of a set of related assumptions that organizes observations and facilitates scientific reasoning.
Hypotheses are specific predictions that arise from broader theories and must be testable.
Deductive reasoning allows scientists to derive hypotheses from existing theories, while inductive reasoning adapts theories based on research results.

Taxonomy

Taxonomy refers to the classification of entities based on their natural relationships and can develop into theories through hypothesis generation and research findings.

Philosophy vs. Theory

Philosophy encompasses the love of wisdom, focusing on abstract ideas and reasoning, while theories consist of concrete statements and predictions.
Formal theories are grounded in data collected from large, diverse groups through controlled studies, leading to broader and more generalizable conclusions.

Characteristics of Formal Theories

Generate research possibilities and produce testable hypotheses that elucidate relationships among phenomena.
Must exhibit falsifiability, providing grounds for possible rejection or modification based on empirical evidence.
Organize data effectively, integrating relevant information to support or critique major principles.

Personal Theories

Personal theories are based on limited observations from a small social circle, including family and friends, and reflect individual experiences and interpretations.
They often lead to biased evaluations of others' behaviors compared to one's own thoughts and feelings.

Evaluation of Theory

Key factors in evaluating a theory include generating diverse research opportunities, ensuring the potential for falsification, and effectively organizing pertinent data to inform ongoing scientific inquiry.

Description

Explore the intricacies of scientific theories and hypotheses in this quiz. Understand how theories organize observations and the role of deductive and inductive reasoning in hypothesis generation. Dive into the relationship between philosophy and formal theories, and discover their characteristics and significance in research.