The Course of Science

(found on a wall in a research lab...)


     ,----------------- Sparse and Infrequent -----------------,
     |                     Observations                        |
     \/                                                        \/
 Observational                                      Incorrect Interpretation
   Errors                                               of Observations
     |                                                         |
     |                                                         |
     |                                                         |
     '-------------->     Theoretical     <--------------------'
                        Misunderstanding
                             |
                             |
                             |
  Management <--,            \/
  Directives    |       Oversimplified  <----------------,
      |         |          Models                        |
      '---------'            |                           |
                             |                           |
                             \/                          |
Computer Models <------- Controversy -----------> Further Refinement of
 |         |                                       Unimportant Details
 |         |
 \/        \/
Code     Unrealistic
Errors   Assumptions
 |         |
 \/        \/
Crude Diagnostic
  Tools         -------> Confusion ------------> Further Misunderstanding
                             |                             |
                             |                             |
                             \/                            |
                     Coincidental Agreement  <-------------'
                      between Theory and
                         Observations
                             |
                             |
                             \/
                         Publication