Research & reasoning · Business & strategy
Falsifiability.
The possibility that an observable result could show a claim to be false.
Useful when turning a vague assertion into something testable.
“Make the hypothesis falsifiable: specify a measurable outcome that would count against it.”
A closer look
“This change always helps, even when the metrics worsen” protects itself from every possible observation. A testable claim takes a risk by stating what result would challenge it. Real tests also rely on measurement quality and auxiliary assumptions, so a surprising result deserves investigation.
Put it to work
“Specify the comparison and outcome that would reject the claim that the new layout reduces errors.”
A useful distinction
Falsifiable does not mean already false. It describes a claim’s exposure to possible refutation.