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Science 2 October 2009:
Vol. 326. no. 5949, pp. 53 - 54
DOI: 10.1126/science.1177637
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Perspectives

Philosophy of Science:

The Coordinates of Truth

Gary J. Nabel

The scientific method has driven conceptual inquiry for centuries and still forms the basis of scientific investigation. Yet, the hypothesis-based research paradigm itself has received scant attention recently. Here, I propose an alternative model for this paradigm, based on decision, information, and game theory. Analysis of biomedical research efforts with this model may provide a framework for predicting their likely contributions to knowledge, assessing their impact on human health, and managing research priorities.

Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

E-mail: gnabel{at}nih.gov

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)