disconfirmation
Proof something's wrong
Disconfirmation is evidence or argument that contradicts a belief or hypothesis.
In scientific method, disconfirmation carries more weight than confirmation—a single counterexample can disprove a theory that thousands of supporting cases couldn't prove.
The study provided disconfirmation of the popular assumption.
In psychology, disconfirmation of expectations occurs when reality differs from what was anticipated.
Instance disproving a claim
- falsificationDeliberate alteration of truth
- disproofEvidence showing falsehood
- anomalyDeparture from the expected
- contradictionOpposing claims, incompatible together
empirical · discrepancy · inconsistency · counterfactual · negation · refutation · counterevidence · disproving
Point challenging another's position
- rebuttalFormal response disputing claims
- refutationDisproving a statement
- contradictionOpposing claims, incompatible together
- objectionExpression of disapproval
challenge · counterclaim · dispute · denial · disproof · confutation · response · cross-examination
Lack of firm belief
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
- scrutinyClose, careful examination
incredulity · distrust · suspicion · wariness · critique · reservations · misgivings · dubiousness
Disproving widely held falsehoods
- exposureState of being unprotected
- unmaskingRevealing what's hidden
- pseudo-scienceFalsely claimed knowledge
- hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
quackery · misconception · charlatan · fallacy · fabrication · sham · misinformation · fact-checking
counterexample
Instance disproving a claim
- falsificationDeliberate alteration of truth
- disproofEvidence showing falsehood
- anomalyDeparture from the expected
contradiction · empirical · discrepancy · inconsistency · counterfactual · negation · refutation · counterevidence · disproving · experimental
counterargument
Point challenging another's position
- rebuttalFormal response disputing claims
- refutationDisproving a statement
- contradictionOpposing claims, incompatible together
objection · challenge · counterclaim · dispute · denial · disproof · confutation · response · cross-examination · critique
doubt
Lack of firm belief
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
scrutiny · incredulity · distrust · suspicion · wariness · critique · reservations · misgivings · dubiousness
mythbusting
Disproving widely held falsehoods
- exposureState of being unprotected
- unmaskingRevealing what's hidden
- pseudo-scienceFalsely claimed knowledge
hoax · quackery · misconception · charlatan · fallacy · fabrication · sham · misinformation · fact-checking · correction
disconfirmationconfirmation
Establishing something as true
verification · corroboration · validation · substantiation · proof
disconfirmationacknowledgment
Confirmation of receipt
acknowledgement · admission · avowal · declaration · concession
confirm, confirmed, confirmation, confirming, unconfirmed, confirms, reconfirm, confirmable, confirmatory