The scientific method - Core concepts in science

7 important questions on The scientific method - Core concepts in science

What are the five core concepts frequently used in science?

- Model --> a simplified visualisation of certain phenomena.
- Law --> Patterns and regularities
- Experiments --> refers to an artificial research setting, created for the purpose of testing hypothesis.
- Hypothesis --> assumption that describes a phenomena.
- Theory --> logical collection of statements and facts.

What is the difference between hypothesis as a conjecture and hypothesis as a consequence of theory?

Conjecture --> assumption in proofs of other results. First assumption, then testing.

Consequence of theory --> a hypothesis which can be directly tested agains empirical reality.

What are the three requirements of a theory?

It should be

1. Coherent
2. Consistent
3. Parsimonious
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What is the difference between mental and explicit models?

Mental models are models we use to understand the world around us. Explicit or computer models make that mental models explicit using conceptual models and physical models.

What is the difference between normative and establishing law?

Normative law is about what should and should not be done. This could be received from God for example.

Establishing law is based on observation one establishes certain patterns or regularities in empirical data.

What is the difference between a hypothesis and theory?

A hypothesis is more singular and a theory is more composite (samengesteld).

What is the difference between theoretical and empirical concepts?

Theoretical concepts do not correspond directly with things from experience and empirical concepts do.

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