Testing a Theory

[beerbecue]

Since I am currently lecturing concerning the use of these terms, I would be remiss if I did not say a little something.......

The use of the word theory in science is limited to models and concepts that are well established and encompasses a group of related hypotheses that explain a group of phenomena.

A hypothesis is a tentative, untested explanation for a given phenomenon.

In this case, you are testing a(n) hypothesis, not a theory.


Don't want to be a dink, but in my quest to improve scientific literacy.......

[Andrew Green]

I have always used the word theory very loosely. Trust me, that is not the title of the paper, just the title of the post. But, you've got me, I did use the word incorrectly. This "research" is incredibly informal, if I came up with any theory revolving around this, it would only be AFTER I have done some preliminary research...then I would have to come up with a test model, operational definitions, test groups, control groups etc.

[beerbecue]

Wasn't intending to scold....

I am just a stickler...

Very interesting idea BTW...

[Andrew Green]

beebecue:
I never said you were scolding, just merely stating that ya got me.

[Alan H]

Well, when I finished an entire year of graduate level biostatistics, I got a certificate telling me that I'd joined the Loyal Order of Normal Deviants.

....still got that certificate, I might add.

[Planopiper]

I may have missed it, but what is the theory that you're testing?

[Andrew Green]

I was using it as a title for the thread: seeing if I actually could get away with wearing a kilt at work. Then I started to ramble off about my paper instead...then one post lead to another, and here we are.