| Qualitative Observations | Quantitative Observations |
|---|---|
| Considered less accurate | Considered more accurate |
| Variable and less measurable | Variable and measurable |
| Cannot be recorded in terms of numbers | Can be recorded in terms of numbers |
| Example: The freezing point of water is colder than its boiling | Example: The freezing point of water is 0℃ and the boiling point is 100℃. |
| Theory | Law | |
|---|---|---|
| (i) | A hypothesis that stands the test of time and has never been disproven is called theory. often tested and never rejected is called theory. | A scientific law is a uniform, constant fact of nature. It is an irrefutable observation. |
| (ii) | A theory may be challenged and can change in light of new evidence. | A law cannot be challenged and remains constant over time. |
| (iv) | A theory is always subject to further testing and refinement. | A law is not subject to further testing and refinement. |
| Example | Darwin's theory of evolution | Newton's law of gravity |
| Inductive Reasoning | Deductive Reasoning |
|---|---|
| It moves from specific observations to broader generalizations and theories. | It moves from broad generalizations and theories to specific predictions and observations. |
| Observing many instances of swans and noting that they are all white, one might form the hypothesis that all swans are white. | If all apples are fruit, and all fruit grows on trees, then all apples grow on trees. |
