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Scientist never say a theory is proven or not they only say if the evidence _____or _____ it

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Final answer:

Scientists communicate that evidence either supports or refutes a theory rather than proving it definitively to allow for future evidence that might alter our understanding. A theory explains a broad range of observations and is supported by extensive evidence but is always subject to reevaluation as new discoveries are made.

Step-by-step explanation:

Scientists never say a theory is proven or not; they only say if the evidence supports or refutes it. In scientific inquiry, a theory is a statement that explains a large number of observations and is supported by a substantial amount of evidence. This is quite different from the idea of proving something conclusively. For example, the statement 'All matter is composed of atoms' summarizes the atomic theory that explains many observations in chemistry and is supported by a plethora of evidence.

However, the nature of scientific evidence is such that it is always open to reevaluation. Discoveries such as the invention of the microscope or the first view of Earth from space can change scientific theories and laws. This is why scientists prefer to say that evidence supports a theory rather than proves it, as this acknowledges the possibility of future evidence that could contradict current understanding.

Drawing conclusions in science involves careful experimentation and observation. Experimental results that align with the predictions of a hypothesis can lead to the acceptance of the hypothesis as a useful description of nature, but they do not prove it absolutely. Hence, scientific theories are always open to further testing and refinement.

User Ben Cull
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Support or contradict
In theoretical models, they are revisited when there are further studies and discoveries found in a certain area where they can be remodeled and reintegrated instead of disregarding its credibility. Models, theories and paradigms are not challenged but rather encouraged, they are supported in many studies since these theories and models were created in order for us to understand a certain phenomenon but it would likely help the scientific society to be updated in the new forms or spheres of improvement rather than discouragement.


User Cfern
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