Theories explain why something happens or the relationship between things. Theory is the "how" and "why" of the observable "what". To develop a theory, you must follow the scientific method. First, make measurable predictions about why and how things work. Then, test those predictions with controlled experiments, and conclude objectively whether the results confirm the hypothesis or not.
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Part 1 of 3: Building Theory
Step 1. Ask "why?
"Look for patterns between seemingly unrelated things. Investigate the root causes behind everyday events, and try to predict what will happen next. If you already have the seed of a theory in mind, observe the subject matter of the idea and gather as much information as possible. Note the "how", "why", and the relationship between them.
If you don't have an idea of a theory or hypothesis, start by establishing a relationship. You might get an idea out of the blue if you look at the world with curiosity
Step 2. Develop a theory to explain the law
In general, scientific laws are descriptions of phenomena that have been observed. Scientific laws do not explain why phenomena exist or what causes them. The explanation of phenomena is called a scientific theory. There is a common misconception that theory turns into law with enough research.
For example, Newton's Law of Gravity was the first to describe mathematically how two objects in nature interact with each other. However, Newton's laws do not explain why gravity exists, or how gravity works. It wasn't until three centuries later, when Albert Einstein developed the Theory of Relativity, that scientists began to understand how and why gravity works
Step 3. Look for academic precedent for your theory
Learn what has been tested, proven, and disproved. Know everything about the subject you are researching, and determine if anyone has asked the same question before you. Learn so you don't make the same mistakes.
- Use your knowledge to understand the subject. This includes existing equations, observations, and theories. If you observe a new phenomenon, try to base it on a related, proven theory.
- See if anyone has already developed your theory. Before proceeding, make sure as much as possible that no one has explored this topic yet. If you don't find anything, feel free to develop a theory. If someone else has come up with a similar theory, read the report and see what you can build on from there.
Step 4. Create a hypothesis
A hypothesis is a directed guess or proposition that aims to explain a set of facts or natural phenomena. Propose possible realities that logically follow observations. Look for patterns, and think about what might be causing them. Use the "if, then" formula: " If [X] is true, then [Y] is true", or "If [X] is true, then [Y] is not true". The formal hypothesis has "independent" and "dependent" variables. The independent variable is a potential cause that can be changed and controlled, while the dependent variable is a phenomenon that is observed or measured.
- If you use the scientific method to develop a theory, the hypothesis must be measurable. You can't prove a theory without supporting numbers.
- Try to come up with several hypotheses that explain the observations. Compare everything. Consider where the hypotheses overlap and where they differ.
- Example hypothesis: "If skin cancer is associated with ultraviolet light, then people who receive frequent UV exposure have a higher risk of developing skin cancer." or "If the color of the leaves changes with temperature, exposing the plant to temperature will change the color of the leaves."
Step 5. Recognize that all theories begin as hypotheses
Be careful not to confuse the two. A theory is a tested explanation of why a certain pattern exists, while a hypothesis is simply a prediction of the reasons for that pattern. Theories are always supported by evidence. However, the hypothesis is only a possible outcome that is considered true, but may not be true, and still needs to be proven.
Part 2 of 3: Testing Hypotheses
Step 1. Design the experiment
According to the scientific method, your theory must be testable. Develop ways to test whether each of your hypotheses is true. Make sure you are testing in a controlled environment. Try to separate the events and causes you are proposing (dependent and independent variables) from anything that complicates the outcome. You have to be careful, and pay attention to external factors.
- Make sure your experiment is repeatable. In most cases, it is not enough to prove a hypothesis once. Your colleagues should be able to repeat the experiment on their own and get the same results.
- Have a colleague or advisor review your test procedures. Have one of them study your work and confirm that your logic makes sense. If you're working with a partner, make sure everyone has input.
Step 2. Find support
In some fields of study, it is difficult to run complex experiments without access to certain equipment and resources. Scientific equipment is sometimes expensive and difficult to obtain. If you're in college, talk to professors and researchers who might be able to help.
If you are not a student, consider contacting a professor or graduate student at a local university. For example, contact the physics department if you want to explore theoretical physics. If a university is doing research in your field, but it's far away, consider sending an email
Step 3. Take accurate notes
Again, the experiment must be repeatable. Someone else should be able to do the same test as you and get the same result. Accurately record everything you do in the test. Make sure all data is entered.
If you are an academic, you can access archives of raw data collected in the process of scientific research. If other scientists need your experiment, they can look it up in the archive or request data from you. Make sure you can provide all the details
Step 4. Evaluate the results
Compare all your predictions with each other and with experimental results. Look for patterns. Think about whether the results indicate anything new, and whether there is anything you missed. Regardless of whether the data confirms your hypothesis or not, look for hidden or "exogenous" variables that affect the results.
Step 5. Set certainty
If the experimental results do not support the hypothesis, reject the prediction as incorrect. If you can prove a hypothesis, then your theory is one step closer to being confirmed. Document the experimental results in as much detail as possible. If the test procedure and results are not repeatable, then your experiment isn't very useful.
- Make sure the results don't change each time an experiment is performed. Repeat the test until you are sure.
- There are many theories that have been forgotten after being refuted by experiments. However, if your new theory explains something that the previous theory couldn't explain, it may be an important scientific advance.
Part 3 of 3: Accepting and Extending Theory
Step 1. Draw conclusions
Determine if your theory is valid, and make sure the experimental results are repeatable. The theory that has been accepted cannot be refuted with the tools and information at hand. However, don't turn theory into absolute fact.
Step 2. Share the results
Perhaps you gathered a lot of information in the course of proving a theory. Once you're sure that your experimental results are repeatable and that your conclusions are valid, try putting your theory into a form that other people can learn and understand. Describe the processes you go through in a logical order. First, write an "abstract" summarizing the theory, then describe the hypothesis, experimental procedure, and results. Try to organize the theory into a series of points or arguments. Finally, end the report with a conclusion.
- Explain how you defined the question, the approach taken, and how it was tested. A good report can lead the reader through relevant thoughts and actions that lead you to a conclusion.
- Consider the audience. If you want to share your theory with colleagues in the same field, write a formal report explaining your results. Consider submitting your work to an academic journal. If you want your findings to be publicly accessible, try putting your theory into an easy-to-digest medium, such as a book, article, or video.
Step 3. Understand the peer review process
In the scientific community, theories are generally not considered valid until they have been peer-reviewed. If you put your findings in an academic journal, other scientists may want to review them. That is, they will test, consider, and repeat your proposed theory and process. Their review will confirm your theory, or disprove it. If the theory passes the test, others can develop your idea by applying it to other subjects.
Step 4. Continue your theory
The thought process need not be stopped once your theory is shared. When writing a report, you may be compelled to consider factors that have been overlooked. Don't be afraid to continue testing and revising theory until you're satisfied. Maybe you need more research, more experimentation, and another report. If the scope of your theory is sufficiently broad, you may not be able to flesh out the full implications.
