Ground-water models: Validate or invalidate
Ground Water
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Abstract
The word validation has a clear meaning to both the scientific community and the general public. Within the scientific community the validation of scientific theory has been the subject of philosophical debate. The philosopher of science, Karl Popper, argued that scientific theory cannot be validated, only invalidated. Popper’s view is not the only opinion in this debate; however, many scientists today agree with Popper (including the authors). To the general public, proclaiming that a ground-water model is validated carries with it an aura of correctness that we do not believe many of us who model would claim. We can place all the caveats we wish, but the public has its own understanding of what the word implies. Using the word valid with respect to models misleads the public; verification carries with it similar connotations as far as the public is concerned. Our point is this: using the terms validation and verification are misleading, at best. These terms should be abandoned by the ground-water community.
Suggested Citation
Bredehoeft, J., and Konikow, L.F., 1993, Ground-water models: Validate or invalidate: Ground Water, v. 31, no. 2, p. 178-179, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6584.1993.tb01808.x.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Ground-water models: Validate or invalidate |
| Series title | Ground Water |
| DOI | 10.1111/j.1745-6584.1993.tb01808.x |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Publication Date | August 04, 2005 |
| Year Published | 1993 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Wiley |
| Contributing office(s) | Water Resources |
| Description | 2 p. |
| First page | 178 |
| Last page | 179 |