To perform a test showing that a particular claim or scientific idea is false. The idea that science relies solely on falsification is based on Karl Popper's influential account of scientific jus [..]

A-F | G-M | N-R | S-Z accept

In science, an observation that differs from the expectations generated by an established scientific idea. Anomalous observations may inspire scientists to reconsider, modify, or come up with alternat [..]

Research undertaken with the explicit goal of solving a problem or developing a technology. The boundary between pure and applied science is fuzzy. Research undertaken in the pure pursuit of knowledge [..]

In science, an auxiliary hypothesis that is taken as true for the purposes of interpreting a particular test. All tests involve making assumptions. If an assumption of a test turns out to be inaccurat [..]

Generally refers to a Pearson's chi-square test, which is a statistical test used to determine how well a set of whole-number data matches expectations. Chi-square tests are often used when a tes [..]

In science publishing, a reference to another published scientific work that provides the information necessary to locate that work. Through citations, the scientific community expects its members to [..]

In science publishing, to give credit to the previous work of other scientists — usually through a list of references, or citations, at the end of a scientific article. Through citations, the [..]

In medical research, a study that is carried out with human participants, as opposed to one that relies on animal models or in vitro experiments. Before new medical treatments reach clinical trials, t [..]

In scientific testing, a group of individuals or cases matched to an experimental group and treated in the same way as that group, but which is not exposed to the experimental treatment or factor that [..]