What characterizes "hard" sciences like Physics and Chemistry according to methodology?
Answer
A high degree of quantitative measurement, mathematical formulation, and controlled experimentation.
The distinction between hard and soft sciences centers on methodology. Hard sciences are defined by characteristics that allow for high precision and verification. This includes the extensive use of quantitative measurement, where physical properties are assigned numerical values that can be analyzed mathematically. Furthermore, a core feature is the capacity for controlled, repeatable laboratory experimentation. This allows researchers to isolate variables, establish clear cause-and-effect relationships, and verify results under identical, reproducible conditions, leading to highly predictable outcomes based on fundamental laws of nature.
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