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The second major objective of science is to predict. Once researchers have systematically observed that two events or behaviors regularly occur together, they can utilize this correlation to forecast whether an event will happen in a specific situation. Although these predictions may not be perfectly accurate, a strong relationship enables predictions that have a significantly greater than chance accuracy.

Predictive Goal of Science

An example of the predictive goal in science is forecasting that a person using medical marijuana is likely experiencing pain. By relying on the strong, previously documented relationship between marijuana use and pain management, researchers can predict this specific physical condition with an accuracy that surpasses random chance.

Predicting Pain in Medical Marijuana Users

The third and ultimate objective of science is to explain phenomena. This goal involves determining the precise causes of behavior by moving beyond mere observation and prediction. Researchers strive to uncover and isolate the underlying mechanisms and causal relationships to understand exactly why and how an event occurs.

Explanatory Goal of Science

What is the primary focus of the predictive goal of science?

In order to achieve the predictive goal of science, researchers must ensure that their forecasts based on observed correlations are perfectly accurate across all specific situations.

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