Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Current understandings refer to the current knowledge and theories that explain a particular concept or phenomenon, which have been developed through scientific research and empirical evidence.
Empirical evidence refers to the data or observations collected from experiments or studies that support or refute a hypothesis. It is based on actual experience or observation rather than theory.
Scientific research involves systematic investigation conducted using rigorous methods to gather empirical evidence and test hypotheses in order to expand our knowledge about various phenomena.
A theory is an explanation or model that attempts to describe and predict how certain phenomena occur. Theories are based on existing evidence but may evolve as new evidence emerges.