semiscientific

Semiscientific is an adjective used to describe ideas, methods, or practices that are partly grounded in scientific principles or empirical methods but do not meet the full criteria of established science. It is often used in discussions of research quality, science communication, and interdisciplinary work.

It can apply to research that uses data collection and analysis yet relies on speculative hypotheses, small samples, or untested assumptions. It may also describe publications or arguments that employ scientific terminology or conventions without providing robust evidence.

The term is a nontechnical, informal designation rather than a formal category in the philosophy of science. Its exact meaning depends on context and speaker, which can make it ambiguous.

Semiscientific contrasts with pseudoscience, which aims to appear scientific while lacking credible methods; semiscientific claims are typically more modest, acknowledging limitations, yet still not fully substantiated.

Examples include emerging fields with preliminary results reported in accessible venues, or educational materials that introduce scientific concepts alongside speculative or normative claims. Critics may use the term to urge stricter standards of evidence or more transparent methods.