How do scientists generally determine what is most likely to be true?

Demonstrating what is not true is a fundamental aspect of the scientific method, which helps researchers and scientists identify the most likely truths about natural phenomena. By systematically testing hypotheses and attempting to disprove them, scientists are able to narrow down possibilities and strengthen the validity of theories that withstand rigorous scrutiny. This process of falsification is critical because it allows scientists to differentiate between plausible explanations and those that lack empirical support. Each failure to disprove a theory reinforces its credibility, thereby making it more likely that the theory is true.

In contrast, while comparing theories, conducting surveys, and analyzing historical data are all important activities within scientific research, they do not inherently provide the same level of certainty. Comparing theories may help in identifying strengths and weaknesses, but it does not alone test their validity against reality. Conducting surveys can reveal perceptions and behaviors within a population but does not establish causal relationships or confirm truths. Analyzing historical data offers insights into trends and patterns, but again, it does not directly test the validity of any specific theory or claim in the same way that falsifying hypotheses does. Thus, demonstrating what is not true stands out as the most effective means of determining what is most likely to be true.