A theory makes its predictions by telling you what will not be observed if it is correct.

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Exploring the statement, we evaluate what each option claims about the nature of a theory's predictions.
Option 1: False. If a theory makes predictions by telling you what will not be observed if it is correct, this describes a falsifiable or predictive framework in which the theory rules out certain outcomes. However, this statement asserts the opposite of what the original claim says, effectively denying that a theory predicts non-observed outcomes as a test of its validity. This option mischaracterizes the standard view of scientific prediction, which often relies on identifying observations that would contradict the theory.
Option 2: True. The classic view of a scientific theory is that it generates falsifiable predictions — outcomes or observations that would not occur if the theory were correct. By specifying what should not be observed, the theory provides a critical test: if such non-observed outcomes are observed, the theory is challenged. This contrasts with theories that predict everything will occur, which would be unfalsifiable and scientifically less robust. Therefore, this statement aligns with the principle of falsifiability as a hallmark of good scientific theories.
In summary, the second option is the one that accurately captures the idea that a theory tests itself by specifying non-observations that would falsify it, whereas the first option contradicts this core principle and reflects a misunderstanding of predictive falsifiability.

BIOLOGY 109 001 WN 2025 Quiz 2

A theory makes its predictions by telling you what will not be observed if it is correct.

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