Coherence Between Theories

2005 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 331-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Elsamahi
Keyword(s):  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Conceptual Dimension ◽  
Conceptual Distinction ◽  
Theory Acceptance

This paper explores the conceptual dimension in theory acceptance, throws light on the notion of coherence between theories, and emphasizes the role of coherence between theories in theory acceptance. It is important, however, to recognize that the empirical-conceptual distinction, like most other distinctions in philosophy, is only pragmatic because purely empirical or conceptual notions in science are rare. That is, the term ‘conceptual’ is actually used in the sense of ‘mostly conceptual’, and the term ‘empirical’ signifies what is predominantly empirical. Yet it is useful in many contexts to speak of conceptual and empirical merits of theories separately. Among the commonly discussed conceptual merits of a theory are internal consistency, simplicity, comprehensiveness, and coherence with existing theories. Empirical merits include accommodating known evidence and passing experimental tests. The focus of this paper is coherence between theories.

Philosophy of Science

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Schliesser
Keyword(s):  
Philosophy Of Science ◽  
Crucial Role ◽  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Impartial Spectator ◽  
Scientific Revolutions ◽  
Theory Acceptance ◽  
Scientific Systems

This chapter articulates Adam Smith’s philosophy of science. The first section emphasizes the significance of Smith’s social conception of science—science takes place, not always comfortably, within a larger society and is itself a social enterprise in which our emotions play a crucial role. Even so, in Smith’s view science ultimately is a reason-giving enterprise, akin to how he understands the role of the impartial spectator. The second and third sections explain Smith’s attitude to theorizing and its relationship, if any, to Humean skepticism. Smith distinguishes between theory acceptance and the possibility of criticism; while he accepts fallibilism, he also embraces scientific revolutions and even instances of psychological incommensurability. His philosophy is not an embrace of Humean skepticism, but a modest realism. Finally, the chapter explores the implications of Smith’s analysis of scientific systems as machines.

From Simple Substance to Chemical Element

2020 ◽  
pp. 32-52
Author(s):  
Bernadette Bensaude-Vincent
Keyword(s):  
Periodic System ◽  
Chemical Element ◽  
Traditional View ◽  
Modern Concept ◽  
Simple Substance ◽  
System P ◽  
Conceptual Distinction ◽  
Definition Of

The introduction of the modern concept of chemical element has often been credited to Lavoisier. I will argue that despite the significant impact of the definition of elements as non-decompound bodies in Lavoisier’s “Elements of Chemistry,” this claim is misleading for at least three reasons. First, elements were already defined as residues of analysis prior to Lavoisier. Second, Lavoisier did not totally give up the traditional view of elements as constituents of all bodies. Third, the modern definition of chemical element implies a clear distinction between simple bodies and elements that was later introduced by Dmitri Mendeleev. I will outline the role of this conceptual distinction in Mendeleev’s process of classification of elements and symmetrically emphasize how the periodic system contributed to stabilize his notion of element as an individual defined by its position in the system. Thus the concept of element appears as both a precondition and a product of the construction of the periodic system.

The Role of Leadership in Cultivating a Responsible Collective Creative Work Environment

2017 ◽  
pp. 82-105
Author(s):  
Alphonce Tavona Shiri
Keyword(s):  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Collective Creativity

This chapter examines the concept of collective creativity in the work environment and in particular the manufacturing sector in Gweru, Zimbabwe. The chapter analyzes the role of a leader in fostering a work climate that cultivates collaborative efforts by followers in creating new ideas and for the sustainability of business operations. Literature relating to leadership role in enhancing sustainable and responsible collective creativity is reviewed. The chapter adopted a quantitative approach in which a survey questionnaire was pilot tested to assess the clarity of the questions on the questionnaire and test the internal consistency of the questions. A pilot test of the situational outlook questionnaire (SOQ) was conducted on 20 respondents in the manufacturing industry to assess the questions for clarity and internal consistency. The final survey questionnaire was distributed to 60 employees in the manufacturing sector in Gweru, Zimbabwe. The items on the questionnaire were rated on a 5 point Likert scale. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23. Data was analysed to determine the correlations between the independent variables and dependent variables. Transformational leadership constructs, namely idealised influence, intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation and individualised consideration constituted leadership independent variables. Analysis of research data reveals that high performance is related to sustainable business practices such as the creation of environmentally friendly and affordable products. Unethical business practices are found to be negatively related to business performance and collective creativity. Analysis of the data revealed a positive correlation between individualised consideration construct of transformational leadership and ideal support (r=.527, p=.001) and a positive correlation between individualised consideration and openness (r=.343, p<.001), and a positive correlation between individualised consideration and involvement (r=.123, p<.001) This means that when a leader displays support through taking into consideration the individual needs of his or her followers, subordinates feel that the leader is encouraging them to participate in company activity and increase their perception of an involving climate. Acts of leadership support also stimulate subordinate views of an open forum where they can contribute to collective creativity within the organisation.

scholarly journals Relative Role of Flower Color and Scent on Pollinator Attraction: Experimental Tests using F1 and F2 Hybrids of Daylily and Nightlily

PLoS ONE ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. e39010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shun K. Hirota ◽  
Kozue Nitta ◽  
Yuni Kim ◽  
Aya Kato ◽  
Nobumitsu Kawakubo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Flower Color ◽  
Relative Role ◽  
Pollinator Attraction ◽  
F2 Hybrids

scholarly journals Analysis of the NUPEC PSBT Tests with FLICA-OVAP

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matteo Bucci ◽  
Philippe Fillion
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Physical Models ◽  
Rod Bundles ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Experimental Database ◽  
Boiling Crisis ◽  
Power Increase ◽  
Relevant Role

This paper discusses the results of a computational activity devoted to the prediction of two-phase flows in subchannels and in rod bundles. The capabilities of the FLICA-OVAP code have been tested against an extensive experimental database made available by the Japanese Nuclear Power Energy Corporation (NUPEC) in the frame of the PWR subchannel and bundle tests (PSBT) international benchmark promoted by OECD and NRC. The experimental tests herein addressed involve void fraction distributions and boiling crisis phenomena in rod bundles with uniform and nonuniform heat flux conditions. Both steady-state and transient scenarios have been addressed, including power increase, flow reduction, temperature increase, and depressurization, representative of PWR thermal-hydraulics conditions. After a brief description of the main features of FLICA-OVAP, the relevant physical models available within the code are detailed. Results obtained in the different tests included in the PSBT void distribution and DNB benchmarks are therefore reported. The relevant role of selected physical models is discussed.

Psychometric properties of the Motivation for Solitude Scale–Short Form in a sample of South African adolescents

2017 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-26
Author(s):  
Esmarilda S Dankaert ◽  
Tharina Guse ◽  
Casper JJ van Zyl
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
South African ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Convergent And Discriminant Validity ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Best Fit

With expanding interest in the role of solitude in healthy psychological development during adolescence, there is a need for psychometrically sound solitude measures. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Motivation for Solitude Scale–Short Form by evaluating its internal consistency, factor structure, and convergent and discriminant validity using a group of South African adolescents ( n = 818). Results revealed satisfactory internal consistency for each of the two subscales, as well as good convergent and discriminant validity. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor higher order model as providing the best fit. The Motivation for Solitude Scale–Short Form seems to be a valid measure of motivation for solitude among South African adolescents and provides an avenue for further research on the role of solitude in adolescent well-being.

Experimental Tests of Optimal Habitat Use in Fish: The Role of Relative Habitat Profitability

Ecology ◽  
1983 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 1525-1539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Earl E. Werner ◽  
Gary G. Mittelbach ◽  
Donald J. Hall ◽  
James F. Gilliam
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Optimal Habitat

Is nursing a kid detrimental to nonimmunological compatibility to contact-transmitted foreign bodies in female Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica)?

2012 ◽  
Vol 90 (10) ◽  
pp. 1284-1289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathieu Sarasa ◽  
Jesús M. Pérez ◽  
José-Enrique Granados ◽  
Ramón C. Soriguer
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Bodies ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Reproductive Costs ◽  
Capra Pyrenaica ◽  
Iberian Ibex ◽  
Increased Susceptibility

Reproductive costs may increase the susceptibility of breeding females to parasites. Compatibility may be modulated by immunity and nonimmunological factors. However, experimental tests attempting to unravel the role of nonimmunological compatibility to parasites are scarce. We experimentally infected breeding and nonbreeding females with pseudoectoparasites (PEPs) to analyse how nursing a kid affects neatness in the Iberian ibex ( Capra pyrenaica Schinz, 1838). Our results revealed that nursing a kid does not seem detrimental to neatness in female Iberian ibex in terms of nonimmunological compatibility to contact-transmitted foreign bodies. Consequently, it seems that increased susceptibility of breeding females to contact-transmitted parasites may be mainly mediated by increased exposure or increased immunological compatibility to parasites.

scholarly journals A New Equivalent Circuit Model Parametrization Methodology Based on Current Pulse Tests for Different Battery Technologies

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (21) ◽  
pp. 7255
Author(s):  
Oier Arregi ◽  
Eneko Agirrezabala ◽  
Unai Iraola ◽  
Aitor Milo ◽  
Josu Yeregui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Equivalent Circuit ◽  
Electric Vehicles ◽  
Storage Systems ◽  
Equivalent Circuit Model ◽  
Lithium Ion ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Circuit Model ◽  
Renewable Energy Generation ◽  
Traction Power

With growing global commitment to renewable energy generation, the role of energy storage systems has become a central issue in traction power applications, such as electric vehicles, trains, and elevators. To achieve the optimal integration of batteries in such applications, without unnecessary oversizing, improvements in the process of battery selection are needed. Specifically, it is necessary to develop models able to predict battery performance for each particular application. In this paper, a methodology for the parametrization of a battery equivalent circuit model (ECM) based on capacity and pulse tests is presented. The model can be extrapolated to different battery technologies, and was validated by comparing simulations and experimental tests with lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Process in Brief Psychotherapy Group: The Role of Therapeutic Factors

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Marogna ◽  
Floriana Caccamo
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Group Therapy ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Therapeutic Process ◽  
Brief Psychotherapy ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Therapeutic Factors ◽  
High Internal Consistency

In all group therapeutic processes, there are interacting and interdependent mechanisms and changing conditions: the therapeutic factors (Corsini & Rosenberg, 1955; Yalom, 1995). These factors are intrinsic to the therapeutic process and unrelated to the type of group (Rorhbaugh & Bartels, 1975). The present study examines the factor structure of the questionnaire Factors Aspecific and Specific in the Group Therapy (FAT.A.S.-G.; Marogna, 2009), designed to investigate specific and non-specific therapeutic factors. The questionnaire was administered to 167 patients involved in a short-term psychotherapy group. The factor analysis identified two main dimensions: interdependence and the group as Object-Self. The Cronbach Alpha coefficients range from .88 to .93, showing high internal consistency between items.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document