First Blog

  What makes us believe scientific theories? At the basis of scientific theories are its axioms, and its methods. For example, you can believe in physics but not have a glimmer of the nature of gravity, (This is a problem for physicists, as well). In this sense, we all believe in our scientific theories, but not so much in the axioms that form their basis. Even many mathematicians do not understand the regularity axiom, or even infinity, for that matter, but they believe in them. The hallmark of a good scientific theory is (a) its predictability, and (b) its ability to explain new phenomena. If the theory explains new evidence, this usually sustains the theory. If not, such as with anomalies in physics many times in the past, this becomes a trigger for a new theory or a revision of the old one. In psychology, Kahneman’s Prospect Theory has gained much validation as prediction and explanation are its hallmarks as evidence builds. This is why we believe them; it is because we trust t

  Testing Features. We are constantly taking tests, giving them, or reading about them.   Let’s get the outcomes straight. That is, let’s learn the testing buzzwords.   In this way, you’ll know what to look for when somebody proposes a test for something, or gives you some test results.   For example, COVID-19 testing is replete with hidden meanings and outcomes. ·         Sensitivity : Ability to test correctly for the disease (or whatever). ·         Specificity : Ability to test correctly for no disease (or whatever). From these we have ·         True positive: the test is positive for disease and disease is present. ·         True negative: the test is positive for no disease and no disease is present. ·         False-positive: the test is positive but no disease is present. ·         False-negative: the test is negative but the disease is present.   ·         Validity : test measures what it is supposed to test. There are at least five types of validity: o    F