Empirical knowledge: methods. Empirical and theoretical levels of knowledge

Empirical knowledge is the establishment of scientific facts and their subjective processing. This is the initial moment of the process of cognition, in which the most important role is played by sensations and feelings. Thanks to the sense organs, a human being can be objectively connected with the world around. They give direct primary knowledge about things, phenomena and objects, their functions and properties.

Gnoseology of sensations

This section of science considers the empirical and theoretical levels of knowledge as a superstructure over the sensual. The latter include perception, sensation and representation. Empirical knowledge is based on sensations. This is a reflection of the properties of individual objects, things during their impact on the senses. This is elementary knowledge that does not have the structure of a cognitive phenomenon. The information capacity of the human senses is based on sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste. The sense organs as means of cognition are formed as a result of the practical direct interaction of nature and man. It is through this practice that empirical knowledge is possible. Representations and images that are created as a result of acquiring this or that sensation cannot be separated from the cognitive social actions and addictions of people.

Gnoseology of perception

The empirical level of cognition is also built on perception, which is a sensory-structured, concrete image. It arises on the basis of a complex of previously received sensations: tactile, visual, and so on. Empirical knowledge is repelled from perception, which is a thinking contemplation. As a result of the perception and sensation of the forms of external nature, an idea of ​​it is created as an image of a cognitive type. Representation is an intermediate link between thinking and perception.

Making sense

Empirical knowledge appears at the intersection of sensory perception and consciousness. Feelings leave a deep imprint in the mind. The processes and events, felt subconsciously, orient a person in the stream of life events, but he does not always fix them on purpose. To comprehend all this and penetrate into the essence of things, to know the causes of phenomena is impossible with the help of the senses alone. This can be achieved with the help of mental (rational) knowledge, in combination with such a process as empirical knowledge.

Experienced level

Experience is a higher level than the sensual. Empirical and theoretical knowledge (without which it will be impossible to apply the experience gained) make it possible to describe the experience. They involve the creation of a source of knowledge in the form of rigorous scientific documents. It can be schemes, acts, protocols and so on. Empirical knowledge can be both direct and indirect (due to the use of various instruments and devices).

historical process

Modern empirical scientific knowledge has a source of observation of things, objects and natural phenomena. Our ancestors watched animals, plants, the sky, other people, the work of the human body. It was the knowledge acquired in this way that formed the basis of astronomy, biology, medicine, physics and other sciences. In the process of civilization development, the empirical and theoretical levels of knowledge were improved, the possibilities of perception and observation with the help of tools and instruments increased. Purposeful observation differs from contemplation by the selectivity of the process. Preliminary hypotheses and ideas aim the researcher at specific objects of research, which also determines the set of technical means that are necessary to obtain a reliable result.

Methodology

The methods of empirical knowledge are based on living contemplation, sensory perception and the rational moment. The collection and generalization of facts is the main task of these processes. Methods of empirical knowledge include observation, measurement, analysis, induction, experiment, comparison, observation.
1. Observation is a passive purposeful study of an object, which relies on the senses. During this process, the researcher receives general information about the object of knowledge, about its properties.

2. An experiment is a purposeful active intervention in the current process being studied. It includes a change in the object and the conditions for its functioning, which are determined by the scope of the goals of the experiment. The features of the experiment are: an active attitude to the subject of research, the possibility of its transformation, control over its behavior, verification of the result, reproducibility of the experiment in relation to the object and conditions under study, the ability to detect additional properties of phenomena.

3. Comparison is an operation of cognition that reveals the differences or the identity of different objects. This process makes sense in one class of homogeneous things and phenomena.

4. Description - a procedure consisting in fixing the result of an experiment (experiment or observation) using the accepted notation systems.

5. Measurement is a set of active actions that are performed using measuring and computing tools to find the numerical and quantitative values ​​of the studied quantities.

It must be emphasized that empirical and theoretical knowledge are always implemented together, that is, research methods are supported by conceptual theories, hypotheses and ideas.

Technical equipment

Empirical knowledge in science actively uses technical retrofitting in the process of studying phenomena and things. It can be:

Measuring devices and devices: scales, rulers, speedometers, radiometers, ammeters and voltmeters, wattmeters, and so on, helping the researcher to find out the parameters and characteristics of objects;

Devices that can help in observing things and objects that are actually invisible to the naked eye (telescopes, microscopes, etc.);

Devices that allow you to analyze the functions and structure of the processes and phenomena under study: oscilloscopes, electrocardiographs, chromatographs, chronometers, etc.

The Importance of the Experiment

Empirical knowledge and its results today directly depend on experimental data. If they are not obtained or are impossible at this stage, then the theory is considered "bare" - impractical and unconfirmed. To conduct an experiment correctly is a responsible task of constructing a theory. It is only through this process that hypotheses can be tested, the supposed connections can be established. An experiment qualitatively differs from observation in three conditions:

1. During the experiment, the phenomena occur under conditions previously created by the researcher. When observing - only the registration of a phenomenon in its natural environment.

2. The researcher freely intervenes in events and phenomena within the framework of the rules of the experiment. The observer, however, has no right and cannot regulate the object of study and its conditions.

3. During the experiment, the researcher has the right to exclude or include various parameters. The observer only fixes possible new parameters in natural conditions.

Types of experiments

The empirical level of knowledge is based on different types of experiments:

Physical - the study of the diversity of natural phenomena;

Psychological - the study of the life of the subject of research and related circumstances;

Mental - carried out exclusively in the imagination;

Critical - it is necessary to check the data according to different criteria;

Computer mathematical modeling.

The empirical method is based on sensory perception and measurements with complex instruments. Empirical methods are an important part of scientific research, along with theoretical ones. Without these techniques, not a single science, be it chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, could develop.

What does empirical method mean?

The empirical or sensory method is the scientific knowledge of the surrounding reality by experience, involving interaction with the subject under study through experiments and observations. Empirical research methods help to reveal the objective laws by which the development of certain phenomena takes place. These are complex and complex steps, and as a result of them new scientific discoveries occur.

Types of Empirical Methods

Empirical knowledge of any science, subject is based on standard methods that have proven themselves over time, the same for all disciplines, but in each specific area with its own specifics characteristic of science. Empirical methods, types:

• observation:
• experiment;
• measurement;
• conversation;
• questioning;
• interview;
• conversation.

Empirical methods - advantages and disadvantages

Methods of empirical knowledge, unlike theoretical ones, have a minimum possibility of errors, shortcomings, provided that the experiment was repeated many times and gave similar results. Any empirical method involves the human senses, which are a reliable tool for understanding the world around us - and this is the main advantage of this method.

Empirical level methods

Empirical methods of scientific knowledge are no less important for science than theoretical premises. Patterns are built empirically, hypotheses are confirmed or denied, therefore, the empirical method as a set of methods based on sensory perception and data obtained by measuring instruments helps to expand the horizons of science and obtain new results.

Empirical research methods in pedagogy

Empirical methods of pedagogical research are based on the same main components:

• pedagogical observation - a specific task is taken, a condition in which it is necessary to observe the students and register the results of the observation;
• surveys (questionnaires, conversations, interviews) - help to obtain information on a specific topic, personal characteristics of students;
• the study of students' works (graphic, written in various disciplines, creative) - provide information about the student's individuality, his inclination to a particular subject, success in mastering knowledge;
• the study of school documentation (diaries, class journals, personal files) - allows you to assess the success of the pedagogical process as a whole.

Empirical Methods in Psychology

Psychological science developed from philosophy, and the most basic tools for cognizing someone else's psychic reality were adopted methods with which you can visually see the manifestations of the psyche outside - these are experiments. Physiological psychology, thanks to which psychology as a whole advanced as a science, was founded by the psychologist, physiologist W. Wundt. His laboratory of experimental psychology was opened in 1832. The empirical methods of research in psychology used by Wundt are applied in classical experimental psychology:

1. Observation method. The study of behavioral reactions and actions of a person in natural conditions and in experimental conditions with given variables. Two types of observation: introspection (self-observation, looking inside) - a necessary element of self-knowledge and tracking changes in oneself, and objective observation - an observer (psychologist) monitors and registers reactions, emotions, actions of an observed person or group of people.
2. Experiment Method. In the laboratory (laboratory experiment) - special conditions are created that are necessary to confirm a psychological hypothesis or reject it. With the help of special equipment, sensors, various physiological parameters are recorded (pulse, respiration, brain activity, pupil reactions, changes in behavior). A natural (natural experiment) is carried out in conditions familiar to a person with the creation of the desired situation.
3. Interview The provision of information by a person by answering a series of questions.
4. Conversation- an empirical method based on verbal communication, during which the psychologist notes the psychological characteristics of the individual.
5. Tests- specially developed techniques, including a number of questions, unfinished sentences, work with images. Testing on specific topics helps psychologists to identify personality traits.

Empirical method in economics

The empirical or experimental method in economics involves the knowledge of the reality of the economic situation in the world, this is done with the help of tools:

1. economic observation- carried out by economists for the purposeful perception of economic (economic) facts, while there is no active influence on these facts, observation is important for building theoretical models of the economy.
2. economic experiment- here an active influence on the economic phenomenon is already included, various conditions are modeled within the framework of the experiment and the influence is studied.

If we take a separate segment of the economy - commodity circulation, then the empirical methods of commodity science will be as follows:

• measurements with the help of technical devices or sense organs (method-operations measuring, organoleptic;
• survey and monitoring of the market (methods-actions).

Empirical knowledge has always played a leading role in the system of obtaining knowledge about the surrounding reality by a person. In all areas of human life, it is believed that knowledge can be successfully applied in practice only if it is successfully tested experimentally.

The essence of empirical knowledge is reduced to the direct receipt of information about the objects of study from the sense organs of the person who knows.

To imagine what the empirical method of cognition is in the system of obtaining knowledge by a person, it is necessary to understand that the entire system of studying objective reality is two-level:

• theoretical level;
• empirical level.

Theoretical level of knowledge

Theoretical knowledge is built on the forms characteristic of abstract thinking. The cognizer operates not with exclusively accurate information obtained as a result of observing objects of the surrounding reality, but creates generalizing constructions based on studies of "ideal models" of these objects. Such "ideal models" are devoid of those properties that, in the opinion of the cognizer, are unimportant.

As a result of theoretical research, a person receives information about the properties and forms of an ideal object.

Based on this information, forecasts are made and monitoring of specific phenomena of objective reality is carried out. Depending on the discrepancies between ideal and specific models, certain theories and hypotheses are substantiated for further research using different forms of cognition.

Characteristics of empirical knowledge

Such an order of studying objects is the basis of all types of human knowledge: scientific, everyday, artistic and religious.

Presentation: "Scientific knowledge"

But the orderly correlation of levels, methods and methods in scientific research is especially strict and justified, since the methodology for obtaining knowledge is extremely important for science. In many ways, it depends on the scientific methods used to study a particular subject whether the theories and hypotheses put forward will be scientific or not.

For the study, development and application of methods of scientific knowledge, such a branch of philosophy as epistemology is responsible.

Scientific methods are divided into theoretical methods and empirical methods.

empirical scientific methods

These are the tools with which a person forms, captures, measures and processes information obtained during the study of specific objects of the surrounding reality during scientific research.

The empirical level of scientific knowledge has the following tools-methods:

• observation;
• experiment;
• research;
• measurement.

Each of these tools is necessary to test theoretical knowledge for objective validity. If theoretical calculations cannot be confirmed in practice, they cannot be taken as the basis of at least some scientific provisions.

Observation as an empirical method of cognition

Observation came to science from. It is the success of a person's application of observations of environmental phenomena in his practical and everyday activities that is the basis for the development of an appropriate method of scientific knowledge.

Forms of scientific observation:

• direct - in which special devices, technologies and means are not used;
• indirect - using measuring or other special devices and technologies.

Mandatory procedures for monitoring are fixing the results and multiple observations.

It is thanks to these processes that scientists get the opportunity not only to systematize, but also to generalize the information obtained during observations.

An example of direct observation is the registration of the state of the studied groups of animals in a given specific unit of time. Using direct observations, zoologists study the social aspects of the life of groups of animals, the influence of these aspects on the state of the body of a particular animal and on the ecosystem in which this group lives.

An example of indirect observation is astronomers monitoring the state of a celestial body, measuring its mass and determining its chemical composition.

Gaining knowledge through experiment

Conducting an experiment is one of the most important stages in the construction of a scientific theory. It is thanks to the experiment that hypotheses are tested and the presence or absence of causal relationships between two phenomena (phenomena) is established. The phenomenon is not something abstract or supposed. This term refers to the observed phenomenon. The observed fact of the growth of a laboratory rat by a scientist is a phenomenon.

The difference between experiment and observations:

1. During the experiment, the phenomenon of objective reality does not occur by itself, but the researcher creates the conditions for its appearance and dynamics. When observing, the observer registers only the phenomenon that is independently reproduced by the environment.
2. The researcher can interfere in the course of events of the phenomena of the experiment within the framework determined by the rules of its conduct, while the observer cannot somehow regulate the observed events and phenomena.
3. During the experiment, the researcher can include or exclude certain parameters of the experiment in order to establish links between the phenomena under study. The observer, who must establish the order of the course of phenomena under natural conditions, has no right to use the artificial adjustment of circumstances.

In the direction of research, several types of experiments are distinguished:

• Physical experiment (the study of natural phenomena in all their diversity).

• Computer experiment with mathematical model. In this experiment, other parameters are determined from one model parameters.
• Psychological experiment (study of the circumstances of the object's life).
• Thought experiment (the experiment is carried out in the imagination of the researcher). Often this experiment has not only the main, but also an auxiliary function, since it is designed to determine the main order and conduct of the experiment in real conditions.
• critical experiment. It contains in its structure the need to verify the data obtained during certain studies in order to check them for compliance with certain scientific criteria.

Measurement - a method of empirical knowledge

Measurement is one of the most common human activities. To obtain information about the surrounding reality, we measure it in different ways, in different units, using different devices.

Science, as one of the spheres of human activity, also absolutely cannot do without measurements. This is one of the most important methods of obtaining knowledge about objective reality.

Due to the ubiquity of measurements, there are a huge number of their types. But all of them are aimed at obtaining a result - a quantitative expression of the properties of an object of the surrounding reality.

Scientific research

A method of cognition, which consists in processing information obtained as a result of experiments, measurements and observations. It comes down to building concepts and testing built scientific theories.

The purpose of fundamental developments is exclusively to obtain new knowledge about those phenomena of objective reality that are included in the subject of study of this science.

Applied developments generate the possibility of applying new knowledge in practice.

Due to the fact that research is the main activity of the scientific world, aimed at obtaining and implementing new knowledge, it is strictly regulated, including ethical rules that do not allow research to be harmful to human civilization.

23. Methods of the empirical level of scientific knowledge.

On the empirical level living contemplation (sensory cognition) predominates, the rational moment and its forms (judgments, concepts, etc.) are present here, but have a subordinate meaning. Therefore, the object under study is reflected mainly from the side of its external connections and manifestations, accessible to living contemplation and expressing internal relations. The collection of facts, their primary generalization, description of observed and experimental data, their systematization, classification and other fact-fixing activities are characteristic features of empirical knowledge.

Empirical, experimental research is directed directly (without intermediate links) to its object. It masters it with the help of such techniques and means as description, comparison, measurement, observation, experiment, analysis, induction, and its most important element is the fact.

1. Observation - a purposeful passive study of objects, based mainly on the data of the senses. In the course of observation, we gain knowledge not only about the external aspects of the object of knowledge, but also - as the ultimate goal - about its essential properties and relationships.

Observation can be direct and indirect by various devices and other technical devices.

2. Experiment - an active and purposeful intervention in the course of the process under study, a corresponding change in the object under study or its reproduction under specially created and controlled conditions determined by the goals of the experiment. In its course, the object under study is isolated from the influence of side circumstances that obscure its essence and is presented in a “pure form”.

The main features of the experiment: a) a more active (than during observation) attitude towards the object of study, up to its change and transformation; b) the ability to control the behavior of the object and check the results; c) multiple reproducibility of the object under study at the request of the researcher; d) the possibility of discovering such properties of phenomena that are not observed in natural conditions.

3. Comparison - a cognitive operation that reveals the similarity or difference of objects (or stages of development of the same object), that is, their identity and differences. It makes sense only in the totality of homogeneous objects that form a class. Comparison of objects in the class is carried out according to the features that are essential for this consideration. At the same time, objects compared on one basis may be incomparable on another.

4. Description - a cognitive operation consisting in fixing the results of an experience (observation or experiment) using certain notation systems adopted in science.

5. Measurement - a set of actions performed using certain means in order to find the numerical value of the measured value in the accepted units of measurement.

It should be emphasized that the methods of empirical research are never implemented "blindly", but are always "theoretically loaded", guided by certain conceptual ideas.

Science is the engine of progress. Without the knowledge that scientists pass on to us every day, human civilization would never have reached any significant level of development. Great discoveries, bold hypotheses and assumptions - all this moves us forward. By the way, what is the mechanism of cognition of the surrounding world?

General information

In modern science, empirical and theoretical methods are distinguished. The first of them should be recognized as the most effective. The fact is that the empirical level of scientific knowledge provides for an in-depth study of the object of direct interest, and this process includes both the observation itself and a whole set of experiments. As it is easy to understand, the theoretical method provides for the knowledge of an object or phenomenon through the application of generalizing theories and hypotheses to it.

Often the empirical level of scientific knowledge is characterized by multiple terms, which fix the most important characteristics of the subject under study. It must be said that this level in science is especially respected for the fact that any statement of this type can be verified in the course of a practical experiment. For example, this thesis can be attributed to such expressions: "A saturated solution of table salt can be made by heating water."

Thus, the empirical level of scientific knowledge is a set of ways and methods of studying the surrounding world. They (methods) are based, first of all, on sensory perception and accurate data of measuring instruments. These are the levels of scientific knowledge. Empirical, theoretical methods allow us to cognize various phenomena, open up new horizons of science. Since they are inextricably linked, it would be foolish to talk about one of them without talking about the main characteristics of the other.

At present, the level of empirical knowledge is constantly increasing. Simply put, scientists are learning and classifying ever-greater amounts of information, on the basis of which new scientific theories are built. Of course, the ways in which they obtain data are also improving.

Methods of empirical knowledge

In principle, you can guess about them yourself, based on the information that has already been given in this article. Here are the main methods of scientific knowledge of the empirical level:

1. observation. This method is known to everyone without exception. He assumes that an outside observer will only impartially record everything that happens (in natural conditions), without interfering with the process itself.
2. Experiment. It is somewhat similar to the previous method, but in this case everything that happens is placed in a rigid laboratory framework. As in the previous case, a scientist is often an observer who records the results of some process or phenomenon.
3. Measurement. This method assumes the need for a standard. A phenomenon or object is compared with it to clarify discrepancies.
4. Comparison. Similar to the previous method, but in this case the researcher simply compares any arbitrary objects (phenomena) with each other, without needing reference measures.

Here we briefly analyzed the main methods of scientific knowledge of the empirical level. Now let's look at some of them in more detail.

Observation

It should be noted that it can be of several types at once, and the researcher himself selects the specific one, focusing on the situation. Let's list all types of observation:

1. Armed and unarmed. If you have at least some concept of science, then you know that “armed” is called such an observation, in which various instruments and devices are used that allow you to record the results with greater accuracy. Accordingly, "naked" is called observation, which is carried out without the use of something like that.
2. Laboratory. As the name implies, it is carried out exclusively in an artificial, laboratory environment.
3. Field. Unlike the previous one, it is performed exclusively in natural conditions, “in the field”.

In general, observation is good precisely because in many cases it allows you to obtain completely unique information (especially field information). It should be noted that this method is far from being widely used by all scientists, since its successful application requires considerable patience, perseverance and the ability to impartially fix all observed objects.

This is what characterizes the main method, which uses the empirical level of scientific knowledge. This leads us to the idea that this method is purely practical.

Is the infallibility of observations always important?

Oddly enough, but in the history of science there are many cases when the most important discoveries became possible due to gross errors and miscalculations in the process of observation. Thus, in the 16th century, the famous astronomer Tycho de Brahe did his life's work by closely observing Mars.

It is on the basis of these invaluable observations that his student, no less famous I. Kepler, forms a hypothesis about the elliptical shape of planetary orbits. But! Subsequently, it turned out that Brahe's observations were distinguished by a rare inaccuracy. Many suggest that he deliberately gave the student incorrect information, but the essence of this does not change: if Kepler had used accurate information, he would never have been able to create a complete (and correct) hypothesis.

In this case, due to inaccuracies, it was possible to simplify the subject under study. By doing without complex multi-page formulas, Kepler was able to find out that the shape of the orbits was not round, as was then assumed, but elliptical.

The main differences from the theoretical level of knowledge

On the contrary, all expressions and terms used by the theoretical level of knowledge cannot be verified in practice. Here's an example for you: "A saturated solution of salts can be made by heating water." In this case, an incredible amount of experimentation would have to be done, since "salt solution" does not indicate a specific chemical compound. That is, "salt solution" is an empirical concept. Thus, all theoretical statements are unverifiable. According to Popper, they are falsifiable.

Simply put, the empirical level of scientific knowledge (as opposed to theoretical) is very specific. The results of the experiments can be touched, smelled, held in hands or seen graphs on the display of measuring instruments.

By the way, what are the forms of the empirical level of scientific knowledge? Today there are two of them: fact and law. Scientific law is the highest form of the empirical form of knowledge, since it derives the basic patterns and rules in accordance with which a natural or technical phenomenon occurs. A fact is understood only as the fact that it manifests itself under a certain combination of several conditions, but scientists in this case have not yet had time to form a coherent concept.

Relationship between empirical and theoretical data

A feature of scientific knowledge in all areas is that theoretical and empirical data are characterized by mutual penetration. It should be noted that it is absolutely impossible to separate these concepts in an absolute way, no matter what some researchers claim. For example, we talked about making a salt solution. If a person has ideas about chemistry, this example will be empirical for him (since he himself knows about the properties of basic compounds). If not, the statement will be theoretical.

The Importance of the Experiment

It must be firmly grasped that the empirical level of scientific knowledge is worthless without an experimental basis. It is the experiment that is the basis and primary source of all knowledge that has been accumulated by mankind at the moment.

On the other hand, theoretical research without a practical basis in general turns into baseless hypotheses, which (with rare exceptions) have absolutely no scientific value. Thus, the empirical level of scientific knowledge cannot exist without theoretical substantiation, but it is also insignificant without experiment. Why are we saying all this?

The fact is that the consideration of methods of cognition in this article should be carried out, assuming the actual unity and interrelation of the two methods.

Characteristics of the experiment: what is it

As we have repeatedly said, the features of the empirical level of scientific knowledge lie in the fact that the results of experiments can be seen or felt. But for this to happen, it is necessary to make an experiment, which is literally the "core" of all scientific knowledge from ancient times to this day.

The term comes from the Latin word "experimentum", which just means "experiment", "test". In principle, an experiment is the testing of certain phenomena in artificial conditions. It must be remembered that in all cases the empirical level of scientific knowledge is characterized by the desire of the experimenter to influence what is happening as little as possible. This is necessary to obtain truly “pure”, adequate data, according to which one can confidently speak about the characteristics of the object or phenomenon being studied.

Preparatory work, instruments and equipment

Most often, before setting up an experiment, it is necessary to carry out detailed preparatory work, the quality of which will determine the quality of the information obtained as a result of the experiment. Let's talk about how preparation is usually carried out:

1. First, a program is being developed in accordance with which scientific experience will be carried out.
2. If necessary, the scientist independently manufactures the necessary apparatus and equipment.
3. Once again, all points of the theory are repeated, for the confirmation or refutation of which the experiment will be carried out.

Thus, the main characteristic of the empirical level of scientific knowledge is the availability of the necessary equipment and instruments, without which the experiment becomes impossible in most cases. And here we are not talking about common computer technology, but about specialized detector devices that measure very specific environmental conditions.

Thus, the experimenter must always be fully armed. This is not only about technical equipment, but also about the level of knowledge of theoretical information. Having no idea about the subject being studied, it is quite difficult to conduct some kind of scientific experiments to study it. It should be noted that in modern conditions, many experiments are often carried out by a whole group of scientists, since this approach allows us to rationalize efforts and distribute areas of responsibility.

What characterizes the object under study under experimental conditions?

The studied phenomenon or object in the experiment is placed in such conditions that they will inevitably affect the sense organs of the scientist and/or the recording instruments. Note that the reaction may depend both on the experimenter himself and on the characteristics of the equipment he uses. In addition, the experiment is far from always able to provide all the information about the object, since it is carried out in isolation from the environment.

It is very important to remember this when considering the empirical level of scientific knowledge and its methods. It is because of the latter factor that observation is so valued: in most cases, only it can provide really useful information about how a particular process occurs in the natural conditions of nature. Such data is often impossible to obtain even in the most modern and well-equipped laboratory.

However, one can still argue with the last statement. Modern science has made a good leap forward. So, in Australia, even ground forest fires are studied, recreating their course in a special chamber. This approach allows you not to risk the lives of employees, receiving quite acceptable and high-quality data. Unfortunately, this is far from always possible, because not all phenomena can be recreated (at least for now) in the conditions of a scientific institution.

Theory of Niels Bohr

The fact that experiments in the laboratory are far from always accurate was also stated by the famous physicist N. Bohr. But his timid attempts to hint to his opponents that the means and devices to a large extent affect the adequacy of the data received were met with extremely negative opinions by his colleagues for a long time. They believed that any influence of the device can be eliminated by somehow isolating it. The problem is that it is almost impossible to do this even at the present level, not to mention those times.

Of course, the modern empirical level of scientific knowledge (what it is, we have already said) is high, but we are not destined to bypass the fundamental laws of physics. Thus, the task of the researcher is not only a banal description of an object or phenomenon, but also an explanation of its behavior in various environmental conditions.

Modeling

The most valuable opportunity to study the very essence of the subject is modeling (including computer and / or mathematical). Most often, in this case, they experiment not on the phenomenon or object itself, but on their most realistic and functional copies, which were created in artificial, laboratory conditions.

If it is not very clear, let us explain: it is much safer to study a tornado using the example of its simplified model in a wind tunnel. Then the data obtained during the experiment are compared with information about a real tornado, after which appropriate conclusions are drawn.