Chapter 1: Problem 51

A scientific theory is fundamentally different than the everyday use of the word "theory." List and describe any three scientific theories of your choice and creatively imagine an additional three hypothetical theories that are not scientific. Briefly describe what is scientific and what is nonscientific about each of these theories.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Three scientific theories chosen were the Cell theory, Theory of Evolution and Big Bang Theory. Each is based on empirical evidence, tested hypotheses, and are universally applicable. The nonscientific theories involve the existence of unicorns, influence of luck by colors and dreams predicting future. These theories are based on personal beliefs or conjectures and lack empirical evidence.

Step by step solution

Identification of Scientific Theories

Choose any three scientific theories. For instance, the Cell theory, which states that all living organisms are composed of cells; the Theory of Evolution, that discusses the changes in species over time and the Big Bang Theory, which explains the origins of the universe.

Description of Scientific Theories

Describe each scientific theory briefly. Cell theory explains that cells are the basic unit of structure in all organisms and the basic unit of reproduction. The Theory of Evolution, propounded by Charles Darwin, argues that species undergo changes over time via the process of natural selection. The Big Bang Theory postulates that the universe originated from a singularity and expanded outwards.

Creation of Hypothetical Nonscientific Theories

Imagine three nonscientific theories. For instance, a theory that unicorns existed; a theory that luck is influenced by wearing certain colors; a theory that dreams can predict the future.

Description of Nonscientific Theories

Describe each nonscientific theory briefly. The unicorn theory is an hypothesis, but it lacks scientific evidence. The luck-color theory may be part of cultural or personal beliefs but doesn't have a scientific basis. The dream-prediction theory involves elements of precognition, which isn't scientifically measurable or objectively verifiable.

Distinguishing Scientific and Nonscientific Theories

Lastly, analyze what makes the theories scientific or nonscientific. Scientific theories are based on empirical evidence, tested hypotheses, and are universally applicable. They are subject to peer review and can be disproved. Nonscientific theories lack objective evidence, are untestable hypotheses, and are based more on personal beliefs than on empirical evidence.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identification of Scientific Theories

Description of Scientific Theories

Creation of Hypothetical Nonscientific Theories

Description of Nonscientific Theories

Distinguishing Scientific and Nonscientific Theories

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Rotational Dynamics

Geometrical and Physical Optics

Quantum Physics

Waves Physics

Fluids

Scientific Method Physics

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.