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When researchers follow the scientific method, the absence of
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19 Oct 2025, 16:36
19 Oct 2025, 16:36
Expert Reply
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Question Stats:
40% (01:31) correct
60% (00:31) wrong based on 5 sessions
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When researchers follow the scientific method, the absence of (i) _______ proof by no means suggests a theory lacks validity. Indeed, no theory is (ii) ________ : each can always be subject to further testing and scrutiny, and thus, by definition, remains (iii) _______ .
| Blank (i) | Blank (ii) | Blank (iii) |
|---|---|---|
| A. ineffable | D. cherished | G. equivocal |
| B. sufficient | E. prous | H. suspect |
| C. irrefutable | F. unassailable | I. provisional |
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Re: When researchers follow the scientific method, the absence of
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22 Oct 2025, 19:00
22 Oct 2025, 19:00
Why is sufficient wrong and irrefutable correct for the first blank ? When we talk about proofs/evidence, usually quantity dictates the validity/strength. I felt that irrefutable is too strong for the first blank.
Re: When researchers follow the scientific method, the absence of
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23 Oct 2025, 00:27
23 Oct 2025, 00:27
Expert Reply
Explanation
1. Blank (i): irrefutable
- The key concept here is that the scientific method accepts that the absence of a certain kind of proof doesn't invalidate a theory.
- A theory might lack irrefutable proof (proof that cannot be argued against or denied), but still be considered valid until contradicted.
- Sufficient proof is what makes a theory valid; ineffable means too great or beautiful to be described in words (doesn't fit).
2. Blank (ii): unassailable
- The second part of the sentence establishes an equivalence: "Indeed, no theory is
______ : each can always be subject to further testing and scrutiny."
- The blank must mean "cannot be defeated by scrutiny." Unassailable means immune from attack, question, or defeat. If a theory is not unassailable, it can always be questioned or tested. This is the core principle of falsifiability in science.
3. Blank (iii): provisional
- The final blank completes the thought: if a theory is always subject to further testing and scrutiny (Blank ii), it cannot be considered final or absolute.
- Provisional means arranged or existing for the present, possibly to be changed later; temporary. This perfectly captures the state of any scientific theory that is always open to revision. Equivocal (ambiguous) or suspect (doubtful) suggest weakness, whereas "provisional" is a neutral term for its current, yet non-final, status.
The completed sentence reads:
When researchers follow the scientific method, the absence of irrefutable proof by no means suggests a theory lacks validity. Indeed, no theory is unassailable: each can always be subject to further testing and scrutiny, and thus, by definition, remains provisional.
1. Blank (i): irrefutable
- The key concept here is that the scientific method accepts that the absence of a certain kind of proof doesn't invalidate a theory.
- A theory might lack irrefutable proof (proof that cannot be argued against or denied), but still be considered valid until contradicted.
- Sufficient proof is what makes a theory valid; ineffable means too great or beautiful to be described in words (doesn't fit).
2. Blank (ii): unassailable
- The second part of the sentence establishes an equivalence: "Indeed, no theory is
______ : each can always be subject to further testing and scrutiny."
- The blank must mean "cannot be defeated by scrutiny." Unassailable means immune from attack, question, or defeat. If a theory is not unassailable, it can always be questioned or tested. This is the core principle of falsifiability in science.
3. Blank (iii): provisional
- The final blank completes the thought: if a theory is always subject to further testing and scrutiny (Blank ii), it cannot be considered final or absolute.
- Provisional means arranged or existing for the present, possibly to be changed later; temporary. This perfectly captures the state of any scientific theory that is always open to revision. Equivocal (ambiguous) or suspect (doubtful) suggest weakness, whereas "provisional" is a neutral term for its current, yet non-final, status.
The completed sentence reads:
When researchers follow the scientific method, the absence of irrefutable proof by no means suggests a theory lacks validity. Indeed, no theory is unassailable: each can always be subject to further testing and scrutiny, and thus, by definition, remains provisional.
