Power of a method
Encyclopedia
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.
somewhat specific
rather general (not very powerful)
Methodology
Methodology is generally a guideline for solving a problem, with specificcomponents such as phases, tasks, methods, techniques and tools . It can be defined also as follows:...
, 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
very specific (very powerful)- confirm presence of blood with luminolLuminolLuminol is a versatile chemical that exhibits chemiluminescence, with a striking blue glow, when mixed with an appropriate oxidizing agent...
;
somewhat specific
- find, then control key variables to make an experiment reproducibleReproducibilityReproducibility is the ability of an experiment or study to be accurately reproduced, or replicated, by someone else working independently...
. - make hypothesesHypothesisA hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. The term derives from the Greek, ὑποτιθέναι – hypotithenai meaning "to put under" or "to suppose". For a hypothesis to be put forward as a scientific hypothesis, the scientific method requires that one can test it...
, 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 razorOccam's razorOccam's razor, also known as Ockham's razor, and sometimes expressed in Latin as lex parsimoniae , is a principle that generally recommends from among competing hypotheses selecting the one that makes the fewest new assumptions.-Overview:The principle is often summarized as "simpler explanations...
: all else being equal, the more likely hypothesis is the one with fewer assumptions; - measure with micrometer, mark with chalk, cut with axe;
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"