Understand the nature of scientific thought, inquiry, and history

COMPETENCY 3.0 UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT, INQUIRY, AND HISTORY 

Scientific investigation involves an interplay between theorization, prediction and empirical testing. Ideally, scientists base their perception of the validity of a particular theory or hypothesis upon its conformity with empirical data, verifiable evidence and logical reasoning. Although this ideal view does not account for the turbulent history of physical science and physical theories, it is a roughly stated standard for a reasonable approach to science. 

Since scientific theories attempt to present causal explanations for physical phenomena, naturally they must comport with observations of the world. Even the most elegant theory is not considered helpful if it does not provide an ability to explain or predict physical events. A theory that is able to make an accurate prediction of some instance of a physical phenomenon, or one that is able to provide a foundation for the explanation of the phenomenon, is a theory that has some apparent value for gaining a greater understanding of the world. As such, theories and hypotheses must be in accord with the reality of the world, and a scientific investigation must ultimately, if not immediately, seek to compare the implications of the theory or hypothesis with empirical data. 

---