Power of a method
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.
Examples
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"
somewhat specific
- find, then control key variables to make an experiment reproducible.
- make hypotheses, 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 razor: all else being equal, the more likely hypothesis is the one with fewer assumptions;
- measure with micrometer, mark with chalk, cut with axe;
very specific (very powerful)
- confirm presence of blood with luminol;
gollark: This is excellent documentation.
gollark: https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/426116061415342080/964952448223576114/IMG_8286.png?wi
gollark: Surely you can just `pacman -S` it.
gollark: I see.
gollark: Surely the screen is better than that.
References
- Concept of Method, Justus Buchler (1985)
External links
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