Some fundamental problems in the logic of scientific discovery

Karl Popper

pp. 89-112

in: Sandra Harding (ed), Can theories be refuted?, Berlin, Springer, 1976

Abstract

A scientist, whether theorist or experimenter, puts forward statements, or systems of statements, and tests them step by step. In the field of the empirical sciences, more particularly, he constructs hypotheses, or systems of theories, and tests them against experience by observation and experiment.