Confidence in the observation; openness about the explanation

Suggested slug: /observation-versus-mechanism/ • Parent: Experimental Evidence

A Scientific Separation

An observation and its explanation are different scientific objects. An incorrect explanation does not automatically make a reproducible observation incorrect.

The Preferred Sequence

Here is what was observed.

Here is what was measured.

Here are the controls.

Here is the current interpretation.

Here are competing explanations.

Here is the experiment that could distinguish them.

Use Conventional Explanations Where They Work

Capacitive coupling, chemistry, pharmacology, nutrition, microbiology, thermal effects and other established mechanisms should be used whenever they adequately explain a result.

Where KELEA Fits

KELEA is proposed as a physical explanation for a subset of observations involving changing electrical charges, activated water and energy transduction. It should remain explicitly hypothetical until discriminating experiments support it.

Why This Strengthens the Program

This approach allows collaborators to investigate an effect without first agreeing on terminology or mechanism. It also makes negative results useful and encourages independent replication.

Public Language

Useful labels include: DOCUMENTED OBSERVATION; MEASURED/COMPARED; REPORTED APPLICATION; PROPOSED ENERCEUTIAL INTERPRETATION; NEEDS INDEPENDENT REPLICATION; ADVANCED/SPECULATIVE.

Observe • Measure • Compare • Replicate