Theory vs. Law

What is a Theory? A theory is a well tested explanation for a set of observations or experimental result Think about a theory as the cause of why something happens Theories may be exceptionally complicated and complex

What is a Law? A law is a statement that summarizes a pattern found in nature A law is an accurate prediction about what will happen Law describe naturally occurring events For example the “law of gravity” says that if I drop an apple it will do what? FALL!! Does the law care why?? NO!!!!!

FAQ’s Can a theory become a law? NO, the theory is the causation piece of the puzzle while the law is the effect piece Once something is a law, can it be made not a law? YES, if at any point the law says something should happen and it does not, then the law has been rejected, it must be revised or completely thrown out How does something become a theory? After many, tests, and experiments by independent researchers that all point to the same explanations

Preventing Bias Sampling – a method of data collection that involves studying small amounts in order to learn about the larger whole Ex: 1 science class is a sample of all the science classes Bias – intentional or unintentional prejudice toward a specific outcome Ex: equipment choices, hypothesis formation, prior knowledge Blind study – the tester, the subject, or both do not know what is being tested Ex: coke and pepsi test Repetition – repeating an experiment many times to see if you get the same results.