A scientific theory is a good theory if it satisfies two requirements:

Question

A scientific theory is a good theory if it satisfies two requirements: It must accurately describe a large class of observations in terms of a model that is simple enough to contain only a few elements, and it must make definite predictions about the results of future observations. For example, Aristotle’s cosmological theory, which claimed that everything was made out of four elements—earth, air, fire, and water—satisfied the first requirement, but it did not make any definite prediction. Thus, Aristotle’s cosmological theory was not a good theory.

If all the statements in the passage are true, each of the following must also be true EXCEPT:

If all the statements in the passage are true, each of the following must also be true EXCEPT:

(A) Prediction about the results of future observations must be made by any good scientific theory.

(B) Observation of physical phenomena was not a major concern in Aristotle’s cosmological theory.

(C) Four elements can be the basis of a scientific model that is simple enough to meet the simplicity criterion of a good theory.

(D) A scientific model that contains many elements is not a good theory.

(E) Aristotle’s cosmological theory described a large class of observations in terms of only four elements.

DinoPen · Answer

I said B. I did this POE.
Argument: A good theory must describe a large class of observations with a few variables (X) and make definite predictions (Y).
We want to find the AC that is false.

This fits in with Y 
 
 A major part of Aristotle's research was cosmological theory... 
 
 This fits X 
 
 This fits X 
 
 This fits X

ed1deee · Answer

I got choice B

My line of reasoning: Following the strategy from powerscore CR, must be true statements are solved by finding an answer that can be either a paraphrase of the stimulus or a logical consequence of one or more parts of the stimulus. In this case we are looking for an "EXCEPT" answer choice. As a result, the answer choices that can be proved by the stimulus can be eliminated.

Hence: 
When looking at all the answer choices: 
A) Choice A paraphrases the second requirement of the two requirements 
B) I saw this and questioned if the example of Aristotle's four elements was in any way tied to the physical phenomena. I wasn't completely sure, but still left this as a preferred answer choice
C) The Aristotle example confirms choice C
D) The requirement states few elements, so choice D is not the answer as it is true
E) Confirmed by the Aristotle example in the stimulus

As a result, I was left with choice B

debjit1990 · Answer

Ans: B
It says, Observation of physical phenomena was not a major concern in Aristotle’s cosmological theory.

Did this by eliminating others. Others have to be true. Left with B only.

honey1 · Answer

hey can you plz help me with this question 
how can option b be the answer as in option b it is given that Observation of physical phenomena was not a major concern in Aristotle’s cosmological theory which is correct as the major concern was that it does not make any prediction

CrackverbalGMAT · Answer

(A) Prediction about the results of future observations must be made by any good scientific theory.  This is correct and is explicitly stated in the passage. Eliminate.

(B) Observation of physical phenomena was not a major concern in Aristotle’s cosmological theory.  This is incorrect. About Aristotle's theory, the passage states: "Aristotle’s cosmological theory...satisfied the first requirement" ie; it "accurately described a large class of observations". A theory cannot describe observations if it does not concern itself with observation of physical phenomena at all. Correct answer.

(C) Four elements can be the basis of a scientific model that is simple enough to meet the simplicity criterion of a good theory.  This is true of Aristotle's cosmological theory and hence is a correct statement. Eliminate.

(D) A scientific model that contains many elements is not a good theory.  This is correct since the passage states: "It must accurately describe a large class of observations in terms of a model that is simple enough to  contain only a few elements ...". Eliminate.

(E) Aristotle’s cosmological theory described a large class of observations in terms of only four elements.  Correct - the four elements are earth, air, fire and water. Eliminate.

Hope this helps.

unraveled · Answer

A scientific theory is a good theory if it satisfies two requirements: It must accurately describe a large class of observations in terms of a model that is simple enough to contain only a few elements, and it must make definite predictions about the results of future observations. For example, Aristotle’s cosmological theory, which claimed that everything was made out of four elements—earth, air, fire, and water—satisfied the first requirement, but it did not make any definite prediction. Thus, Aristotle’s cosmological theory was not a good theory.

If all the statements in the passage are true, each of the following must also be true EXCEPT:

If all the statements in the passage are true, each of the following must also be true EXCEPT:

(A)  Prediction  about the results of future observations  must be made by any good scientific theory . - WRONG. It's a necessity.

(B) Observation of physical phenomena was not a major concern in Aristotle’s cosmological theory. - CORRECT. Had that been the case the theory would have been good.

(C) Four elements can be the  basis of a scientific model that is simple enough to meet the simplicity criterion  of a good theory. - WORNG. Four elements is fine but what about the results which is missing, thus making it not a good theory.

(D) A scientific model that  contains many elements is not a good theory . - WRONG. Many elements is a no-no for a good theory as already mentioned in the passage.

(E) Aristotle’s cosmological theory described a large class of observations  in terms of only four elements . - WRONG. Yes, that's what we can see in the passage.

Answer B.

VerbalBot · Answer

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A scientific theory is a good theory if it satisfies two requirements:

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A scientific theory is a good theory if it satisfies two requirements:

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