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Is there a word for comparing theoretical predictions of a model against experimental results?

English Language & Usage Asked on March 12, 2021

Is there a word for comparing theoretical predictions of a model against experimental results?

In Science, first, we make some observations about a phenomenon, then model it & make predictions. Then we make experiments to check whether our model predicts reality. I’m looking for a word that describes this last point, comparing the theoretical predictions of a model against the experimentally obtained results to check whether the model predicts reality.

One Answer

In addition to the widely used prove, at least two other words are in scientific and computational use: verification and validation.

prove = to show that something is true

Cambridge Dictionary

verification = the process of testing or finding out if something is true, real, accurate, etc

Cambridge Dictionary

validation = proof that something is correct

Cambridge Dictionary

A more refined distinction between the last words may be sought. For example, the two words are used in a substantial paper from Los Alamos National Laboratory. Here is a key figure from that paper::

enter image description here

https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/835920/

In this argument, verification is the process of ensuring that the computational model reflects accurately and in all circumstances the mathematics. Validation is the checking of the computed model outcomes against the experimental or observational reality.

In that way, it might be argued that successful verification and validation together prove the original model.

Correct answer by Anton on March 12, 2021

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