Contrary to popular belief, when scientists use the word "theory", they are not referring to conjectures that they have pulled out of thin air and have no data to support such claims. The scientific use of the word "theory" is much different than the colloquial use.
In science, a theory refers to an integrated set of principles that explain and predict events that are observed in the natural world. Theories, in the scientific sense, summarize and explain facts, and imply testable predictions that allow for the falsification of the theory. Theory is vital to scientific endeavour, as it generates hypotheses to be tested, gives direction to research (and even suggests new areas for research), and, if the theory is good, has a high amount of explanatory power without requiring extensive modification to the theory. Theory without data is just conjecture, but data without a theoretical explanation is as good as meaningless to scientific practice.
In science, a theory refers to an integrated set of principles that explain and predict events that are observed in the natural world. Theories, in the scientific sense, summarize and explain facts, and imply testable predictions that allow for the falsification of the theory. Theory is vital to scientific endeavour, as it generates hypotheses to be tested, gives direction to research (and even suggests new areas for research), and, if the theory is good, has a high amount of explanatory power without requiring extensive modification to the theory. Theory without data is just conjecture, but data without a theoretical explanation is as good as meaningless to scientific practice.
An example of a scientific theory that is often mistaken as just a "theory" is the theory of evolution. Contrary to common misconceptions, evolutionary biology is one of the most prolific fields in science, with hundreds of thousands of peer-reviewed papers attesting to the theory's veracity, and an ever-increasing body of research.
Other examples include general relativity (yes, gravity is technically "only" a theory), special relativity, atomic theory (yes, atoms are "only" a theory too), and germ theory (the theory that small microscopic organisms are the cause of many illnesses).
Other examples include general relativity (yes, gravity is technically "only" a theory), special relativity, atomic theory (yes, atoms are "only" a theory too), and germ theory (the theory that small microscopic organisms are the cause of many illnesses).
by Amygdala May 30, 2011
Get the scientific theory mug.There is the theory of the Moebius, a twist in the fabric of space where time becomes a loop. Loop where time becomes a. A loop where time becomes. Becomes a loop where time. Time becomes a loop where. Where time becomes a loop.
by shukh May 22, 2007
Get the The Theory of the Moebius mug.Related Words
Thory
• thory youcome
• thoryn
• Thoryy
• Thor
• Thore
• Theory
• Theory Of A Deadman
• Thora
• Thorag
n. A theory, created by several residents of Boozemont, which states that every time a joke is killed, the loss of a man's virginity is prolonged for another ten years.
"Don't worry, bro. As long as you're not a brown-nosing son of a bitch, you can't commence the A-Fine Theory."
by afinesux May 23, 2008
Get the A-Fine Theory mug.Many people believe in an afterlife. Recent scholars have developed new knowledge; based on a new study. The study shows a theory developed by the great and powerful mind of Alexander Vilapiano. His theory is that when we die we are in fact reborn. Those who do well in life come back as a Lion or something badass. Those who are evil are re-birthed as Anal Beads.
Anal Beads Theory
1. If you are good in life you are reborn as a lion. If you're a dick, you are reborn as Anal Beads.
2. Danny was a dick to Jose, so when Danny died, he was reborn as Jose's Anal Beads.
1. If you are good in life you are reborn as a lion. If you're a dick, you are reborn as Anal Beads.
2. Danny was a dick to Jose, so when Danny died, he was reborn as Jose's Anal Beads.
by Cpumaster February 12, 2015
Get the Anal Beads Theory mug.The Theory that young girls bring 3 things to the table when dating them.
1. Drama 2. Headaches 3. Sex......two of these they supply an abundance of, or too much. The third, they just aren’t that good at, or have enough experience.
1. Drama 2. Headaches 3. Sex......two of these they supply an abundance of, or too much. The third, they just aren’t that good at, or have enough experience.
Remember every time those hot little young sluts come up and hit on you, or you match with another one on Tinder, and take her home and smash her out, cause she’s not wearing panties.......repeat the Young Girl Theory. Is it worth it, and will you have enough patience and Advil to last?
by GIRTHQUAKE72 November 19, 2019
Get the Young Girl Theory mug.The concept that it's much better to emigrate to Australia than live in a tired and rather shabby looking United Kingdom. The theory sounds great, but is complicated by the Drongo Uncertainty Principle, in which you either live in Australia but realise it's not as great as you thought it would be (which usually occurs when the deadly finger-web spider bites you on the funnel) OR you're in the UK, it's cold, wet, and dismal, and you've just been mugged for your mobile phone, and so you dream of an idyllic life in the sun playing with large friendly marsupials (known as 'Ozzies').
In the UK:
Gerald: 'That damned Johnny in the hooded top just beat me up and took my phone!'
Edward: 'Ahhhh! Playing with the Ozzies in the balmy climes of Australia would be so much better!'
Gerald: Hmmmm! Quantus theory!'
-------------------------------------
Simultaneously in Australia:
Tadger: 'Bollocks mate! I just got bit on the funnel by a finger-web spider!'
Johnno: 'No wucking furries mate, we'll move to England.'
Tadger: 'Rack off! That's just Quantus theory!'
Gerald: 'That damned Johnny in the hooded top just beat me up and took my phone!'
Edward: 'Ahhhh! Playing with the Ozzies in the balmy climes of Australia would be so much better!'
Gerald: Hmmmm! Quantus theory!'
-------------------------------------
Simultaneously in Australia:
Tadger: 'Bollocks mate! I just got bit on the funnel by a finger-web spider!'
Johnno: 'No wucking furries mate, we'll move to England.'
Tadger: 'Rack off! That's just Quantus theory!'
by Pedrosa von Beagle August 7, 2006
Get the Quantus theory mug.The process by which you get to live the greatest experiences in life by saying yes to stepping out of your comfort zone.
by Spwrld June 5, 2018
Get the Yes Theory mug.