I Analysis of data from previous experiments

AI Thread Summary
Data from previous experiments can reveal evidence of phenomena that were later discovered, though specific examples of reanalyzing others' data to make new discoveries are rare. Earlier experiments often show weak evidence that aligns with later findings, indicating that scientific inquiry builds on past observations. The discussion emphasizes that the purpose of experiments is to uncover new insights, suggesting that some evidence is inherently present in earlier data. Occam's Razor is highlighted as a guiding principle in refining scientific explanations, as each iteration aims to better describe reality. Overall, the analysis of past data is crucial for advancing scientific understanding.
accdd
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Has it ever happened that after a discovery, data from previous experiments were analyzed and it was noticed that there was already some evidence of the phenomenon in question?
 
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If you mean "did someone take someone else's data tapes and reanalyze them and made a discovery the first team missed", I can think of no example. If you mean "did earlier experiments show weak evidence for a later discovery?" Sure. Here's an example from 1970:
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That shoulder is actually this particle:

1669327482936.png


Note the difference in scale.
 
accdd said:
Has it ever happened that after a discovery, data from previous experiments were analyzed and it was noticed that there was already some evidence of the phenomenon in question?
Why else would an experiment be done? How much evidence is "some evidence"? The answer must be yes.

At any time, Occam's Razor trims science to the simplest explanation. Each successive refinement better describes reality. Observational data must include the effects of all phenomena yet to be described by science.
 
So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks
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