Scientific Meaning Of Theory

Introduction to scientific meaning of theory:

Scientifically, Theory is a conceptual framework that explains the existing observations and predicts new ones. For example consider the observations made by the Great scientist Newton in proposing The Theory of Gravity. We see any left from a height falls towards the earth. This is just an observation anybody can do, which doesnt require any analysis to prove. But to prove the reasons for the same, it is required to be proven. If the reasons are proven experimentally, then the observations become Theory.

Example to Understand Scientific Meaning of Theory

Let us take a real example of Newtons Theory of Gravity to understand the meaning of theory clearly.

One day Newton was sitting under an Apple tree. Suddenly one apple fell on his head. He thought a lot about why it happened like that. Why cant the apple go upwards? Why only downwards. He tried the same with many other objects also. Everything was exhibiting the same behavior. So, he thought there must be something pulling the objects towards the earth. So he made a guess as the earth has the ability to attract the objects towards it. This is just a guess, because he doesnt have any proof for that. This is known as Hypothesis. All these come under Observations and Predictions.

Now with this information in hand, he proceeded towards finding the evidence for this. He made a lot of analysis, and finally proved the earths gravitational pull and proposed the Theory of Universal Gravitation. So, with this proof Newtons hypothesis become a theory.

So theory is the one which lies only within the observations, Explantions and the predictions made.

Steps Involved in Evolution of Theory:

Now observe the following figure, which explains the process involved in proposing a theory. Let us compare the steps of Newtons theory of Gravity.

Here, initially observations are made from the existing facts. Like the objects falling towards the earth in case of Newtons observations. We come across with many questions expecting reasons for them. Observations are the stepping stones for proposing theory.

From the observations made, guess is made for the possible reasons of the observed things. This step is Hypothesis. In case of Newtons, he guessed that there is some pull by the earth on the objects.

With these Hypotheses, experiments, Tests and analysis are made to prove it. If the experiments and analysis comes to conclusions supporting the Hypothesis, if the experiments consistently support the observations, then it becomes the theory. In case of Newton, He made mathematical propositions proving the attractive force by the earth. Finally his experiments proved the existence of the Earths attractive force Known as Gravitational force.

So, an observation with consistent Hypothesis becomes the Theory.

by: Omkar Nayak

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