science: Role of Measurement and Experiment
Role of Measurement and Experiment
All of the activities of the scientific method are characterized by a scientific attitude, which stresses rational impartiality. Measurement plays an important role, and when possible the scientist attempts to test his theories by carefully designed and controlled experiments that will yield quantitative rather than qualitative results. Theory and experiment work together in science, with experiments leading to new theories that in turn suggest further experiments. Although these methods and attitudes are generally shared by scientists, they do not provide a guaranteed means of scientific discovery; other factors, such as intuition, experience, good judgment, and sometimes luck, also contribute to new developments in science.
Sections in this article:
- Introduction
- Promise and Problems of Modern Science
- Modern Science and Technology
- Astronomy beyond the Visual Spectrum
- The Abstraction of Mathematics
- Biology Becomes an Interdisciplinary Science
- Advances in Chemistry
- Quantum Theory and the Theory of Relativity
- The Impact of Elementary Particles
- Revolutions in Modern Science
- Science and the Industrial Revolution
- New Ideas in Biology
- Birth of Modern Geology
- Advances in Astronomy
- Innovations in Chemistry
- The Evolution of Mathematics and Physics
- The Age of Classical Science
- The Impact of Sir Isaac Newton
- Improved Communication of Scientific Knowledge
- The Rejection of Traditional Paradigms
- The Scientific Revolution
- The Craft Tradition and Early Empiricism in Europe
- Muslim Preservation of Learning
- Scientific Progress in China and India
- Influence of the Alexandrian Schools
- Early Greek Contributions to Science
- Practical Applications in the Ancient Middle East
- The Beginnings of Science
- Branches of Specialization
- Role of Measurement and Experiment
- The Scientific Method
- Bibliography
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
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