Role
of Experiments in Science
Prepared by
SABARISH-P
M.Sc., M.Ed.,
JRF & NET
Lecturer in
Physical Science, Arafa Institute for Teacher Education
Attur, Thrissur.
Experiments are a
special kind of controlled observation. Experiments are at the core of the
scientific method. It emphasizes observation and shows the way how to confirm
hypotheses in science.
The main purpose of
experiment is to study nature in a specific kind of way. By experiments we make
various concepts, principles, laws and theorems in Science. Experiments help to
make valuable findings and conclusions. Experiments allow us to get access to
things that we might not normally be able to see. Experiments help us to give
empirical findings. So it is that the ability to do an experiment differentiates
science from non-science subjects. Experiments may have come to be thought of
as the defining feature of science but they are really just a special case of
something we all do every day – observe the world around us.
Integration
of theories and experiments in Science
The invention or
discovery of new things may be initiated by the experimenter or the theoretician.
Experimenter cannot make progress without a basic knowledge of the theoretical
structure. Similarly theories in science cannot be supported without
experiments.
Ø Theory
can precede or follow experiment
Ø Simple
experiments always helped in breaking vague principles and traditions in
science.
Ø After
experimental validation of the basic concept, a theory on its own can develop.
Ø Theory
and experiment use, affect and enrich each other
Ø Undetermined
constants appearing in basic theories can only be
determined experimentally.
Ø Advanced
experimental techniques for accurate measurements depend on theoretical development
in diverse areas.
The fundamental unity
of physical science can be seen only with the help of both experimental and
theoretical aspects. Theory of the ideal world and experiment of the real world
are two non-orthogonal axes, each having a component in the other. They
together define the knowledge plane of Science.
