Power of a method

In methodology, the power of a method is inversely proportional to the generality of the method, i.e.: the more specific the method, the more powerful.

Examples

rather general (not very powerful)

• the exception proves the rule;
• blame your predecessor;
• when in doubt, cut it out;
• to understand something is to stand under it;
• false dichotomy, as "there are two kinds of people in the world"

somewhat specific

• find, then control key variables to make an experiment reproducible.
• make hypotheses, then try to disprove them;
• form a question, the answer to which will divide the problem space into two subspaces of about equal size;
• Occam's razor: all else being equal, the more likely hypothesis is the one with fewer assumptions;
• measure with micrometer, mark with chalk, cut with axe;

very specific (very powerful)

• confirm presence of blood with luminol;

See also

• Gödel's incompleteness theorems
• Holism
• Reductionism

References

• Concept of Method, Justus Buchler (1985)

External links

• http://www.scientificmethod.com/p_master.html

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