Outputs (5)

Are laws of nature consistent with contingency? (2016)
Preprint / Working Paper
Cartwright, N., & Merlussi, P. (2016). Are laws of nature consistent with contingency?

Are the laws of nature consistent with contingency about what happens in the world? That depends on what the laws of nature actually are, but it also depends on what they are like. This latter is our concern here. Different philosophic views give dif... Read More about Are laws of nature consistent with contingency?.

What’s so special about empirical adequacy? (2016)
Preprint / Working Paper
Cartwright, N., & Bhakthavatsalam, S. (2016). What’s so special about empirical adequacy?

Theory choice has long been a prime topic in philosophy of science: ‘How should we choose from among competing theories?’ Theory virtues have also in recent years become a standard, closely related topic: 'What virtues should a desirable theory have?... Read More about What’s so special about empirical adequacy?.

Understanding and misunderstanding randomized controlled trials (2016)
Preprint / Working Paper
Deaton, A., & Cartwright, N. (2016). Understanding and misunderstanding randomized controlled trials

RCTs would be more useful if there were more realistic expectations of them and if their pitfalls were better recognized. For example, and contrary to many claims in the applied literature, randomization does not equalize everything but the treatment... Read More about Understanding and misunderstanding randomized controlled trials.

A Theory of Measurement (2016)
Preprint / Working Paper
Cartwright, N., Bradburn, N. M., & Fuller, J. (2016). A Theory of Measurement

This paper discusses basic issues about the nature of measurement for concepts in the social sciences and medicine, introducing a three-stage theory of measurement. In science and policy investigations we study quantities and qualities (or quality/qu... Read More about A Theory of Measurement.

Understanding and misunderstanding randomized controlled trials (2016)
Preprint / Working Paper
Cartwright, N., & Deaton, A. (2016). Understanding and misunderstanding randomized controlled trials

What allows research evidence to contribute to successful social policy and improve practice in public services? The establishment of the What Works Network, a group of evidence ‘clearing houses’, that summarise academic research evidence for practit... Read More about Understanding and misunderstanding randomized controlled trials.