After preliminary research clarifies the questions being asked and how the evidence relates to current theories, scientists supporting competing theories will often put their nickel down—they’ll state exactly what evidence will refute their theory, refute competing theories, or will change their mind about which theory is superior. When the evidence comes in, scientists will actually change their mind. Of course, individuals don’t always change their mind with the evidence, but enough do to shift the consensus to the theory supported by the evidence.
