what happens. when new evidence is found that contradicts part of a theory

Answer 1

When new evidence is found that contradicts part of an existing scientific theory, several steps typically follow in the scientific process:

1. Critical Evaluation: Scientists will first critically evaluate the new evidence to ensure that it is valid, reliable, and reproducible. This includes scrutinizing the methodology, data collection, and analysis.

2. Peer Review: The findings are often published in scientific journals where they undergo peer review. Other experts in the field will assess the quality and significance of the evidence.

3. Theories May Be Adjusted: If the new evidence is robust and credible, it may prompt scientists to revise or adjust the existing theory. Theories are not immutable; they evolve over time in response to new discoveries.

4. Theoretical Debate: Scientists may engage in debates about the implications of the new evidence. This could lead to alternative hypotheses being proposed or additional experiments being conducted to explore the discrepancies.

5. Integration of New Evidence: If the evidence is accepted, it may lead to the development of a more comprehensive theory that incorporates the new findings. This can enhance the explanatory power of the theory.

6. Rejection or Discarding: In some cases, if the new evidence fundamentally contradicts the theory and cannot be reconciled, the theory may be rejected in favor of a new or revised explanation that better fits the evidence.

7. Ongoing Research: Science is an iterative process, and ongoing research may further clarify, modify, or even overturn existing theories as new data are collected.

Overall, the scientific community values evidence and the potential for theories to evolve based on new findings, which is a fundamental aspect of the scientific method.