1. pertaining to science. 2. an educated guess passed off as a well thought out explaination that uses large words and concepts often unkonwn to everyone in the room. 3. a plausible explaination for something not easily explained given to the dismay and perhaps delight of those who are present.
Nobody really understood what happened at the beach on Sunday so Mary got all scientific and threw up a good story that everybody bought because she sounded like an authority on the subject. For real though, who knew that Mary knew anything about the migratory patterns of hump back whales.
by nick April 25, 2005
Get the scientific mug.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
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Get the scientific name for pig mug.The term is generally used by financial, technical professionals and project managers to describe a solid assumption of a numeric target. It is far more than a guess or even a good guess. One is attempting to accurately estimate a number associated with for example a budget or time requirement using the available limited data or in the worse case no data.
If the individual offering the SWAG projection is well recognized and qualified in his area of expertise and he is offering it within that expertise, the likelihood that the SWAG will be taken seriously is high, especially if he has a proven track record.
Someone when challenged on where he came up with his numbers says "well its a SWAG" and he lacks the credentials to support it, is not likely to be taken seriously. In other word, some people use SWAG as a casual term instead of saying I guess.
If the individual offering the SWAG projection is well recognized and qualified in his area of expertise and he is offering it within that expertise, the likelihood that the SWAG will be taken seriously is high, especially if he has a proven track record.
Someone when challenged on where he came up with his numbers says "well its a SWAG" and he lacks the credentials to support it, is not likely to be taken seriously. In other word, some people use SWAG as a casual term instead of saying I guess.
When challenged to project the budget for a project whose concept is new to the organization, a scientific-wild-ass guess (SWAG) may be the only means of generating a realistic set of numbers. Consult experts in the various areas that may be involved. Example: A new product that has a market pull but has no material, manufacturing processes or facilities but needs to be brought on line within a set period of time, will by necessity require some SWAG. Having a SWAG number helps to provide guidance even if it is not totally accurate. It is far better than having an open checkbook.
by nyma72 December 26, 2013
Get the scientific-wild-ass guess mug.A 2 step process of learning and understanding about the world.
I order to begin the process you need a question.
Once you have answers to seek begin the process.
Step 1: fuck around
Step 2: find out
Repeat as many times as necessary.
I order to begin the process you need a question.
Once you have answers to seek begin the process.
Step 1: fuck around
Step 2: find out
Repeat as many times as necessary.
"hey man, do you think the boys are gonna be on Playstation tonight?"
"only way to know is to use the scientific method."
"only way to know is to use the scientific method."
by TheboysinCS October 3, 2020
Get the Scientific method mug.A method for gathering data about the world around us. Using the scientific method involves coming up with a hypothesis about how something works, and then trying as hard as you can to prove it wrong. If you can't prove yourself wrong then you cannot say you proved yourself right. you can only say you didn't disprove your hypothesis. In the scientific method you can never prove yourself right, you can only prove you weren't wrong. This is often seen as a tedious and annoying aspect of science by outsiders, but in fact scientific minded individuals gain great joy in being skeptical of everything. If you cannot diprove your hypothesis than it is usually phrased something like "The data supported our hypothesis." This is generally followed by a detailed explanation of everything that could have been wrong with your research that could have led to a failure to disprove yourself. Through this method something can become considered a theory only if many many generations of scientists have failed to find any way to prove the hypothesis wrong. This is a considerable accomplishment as most scientists will spend their entire lives finding critiques in method or theory in the research of others, and trying to find a way to disprove their findings. Information acquired in this way is the only information that can be trusted to have any semblance of truth.
Did you hear about how video games make children violent?
Was the scientific method used to reach this conclusion?
Hey a recent study found that fake sweetener can give you cancer.
That study was never replicated.
Evolution is just a theory.
If by theory you mean a conclusion that genarations of researchers have failed to find any way to disprove in hundreds of years time then yes it is.
Was the scientific method used to reach this conclusion?
Hey a recent study found that fake sweetener can give you cancer.
That study was never replicated.
Evolution is just a theory.
If by theory you mean a conclusion that genarations of researchers have failed to find any way to disprove in hundreds of years time then yes it is.
by pandorlla May 27, 2010
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