What is generated to explain a phenomenon

Tanner likens theories to a basket in which scientists keep facts and observations that they find. The shape of that basket may change as the scientists learn more and include more facts. The University of California, Berkley, defines a theory as "a broad, natural explanation for a wide range of phenomena. Theories are concise, coherent, systematic, predictive, and broadly applicable, often integrating and generalizing many hypotheses.

Any scientific theory must be based on a careful and rational examination of the facts. Facts and theories are two different things. An important part of scientific theory includes statements that have observational consequences. A good theory, like Newton's theory of gravity , has unity, which means it consists of a limited number of problem-solving strategies that can be applied to a wide range of scientific circumstances.

Another feature of a good theory is that it formed from a number of hypotheses that can be tested independently. A scientific theory is not the end result of the scientific method; theories can be proven or rejected, just like hypotheses.

Theories can be improved or modified as more information is gathered so that the accuracy of the prediction becomes greater over time. Theories are foundations for furthering scientific knowledge and for putting the information gathered to practical use. Scientists use theories to develop inventions or find a cure for a disease.

Some think that theories become laws, but theories and laws have separate and distinct roles in the scientific method. A law is a description of an observed phenomenon in the natural world that hold true every time it is tested. Late Latin phaenomenon , from Greek phainomenon , from neuter of phainomenos , present participle of phainesthai to appear, middle voice of phainein to show — more at fancy.

See more words from the same year. Accessed 12 Nov. More Definitions for phenomenon. Nglish: Translation of phenomenon for Spanish Speakers. Britannica English: Translation of phenomenon for Arabic Speakers.

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! Log in Sign Up. Save Word. Essential Meaning of phenomenon. The movie eventually became a cultural phenomenon. Full Definition of phenomenon. Synonyms Can phenomena be used as a singular? Synonyms for phenomenon Synonyms caution , flash , marvel , miracle , portent , prodigy , sensation , splendor , wonder Visit the Thesaurus for More. Can phenomena be used as a singular?

Examples of phenomenon in a Sentence For example, we talk more loudly in cars, because of a phenomenon known as the Lombard effect—the speaker involuntarily raises his voice to compensate for background noise. Lapham , Harper's , September The days and nights of the Irish pub, smoky and dark and intimate, are giving way to another phenomenon : the superpub.

These are immense places, loud with music; part honkytonk, part dance hall, some servicing as many as a thousand drinkers on several floors. That is, there was really no place for them in the culture, in the economy, yet they were there, at that time, and everyone knew that they wouldn't last very long, which they didn't.

First Known Use of phenomenon , in the meaning defined at sense 1. History and Etymology for phenomenon Late Latin phaenomenon , from Greek phainomenon , from neuter of phainomenos , present participle of phainesthai to appear, middle voice of phainein to show — more at fancy. Learn More About phenomenon.

Time Traveler for phenomenon The first known use of phenomenon was in See more words from the same year.