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By considering linear-order departures from general relativity, we compute a novel expression for the weak lensing convergence power spectrum under alternative theories of gravity. This comprises an integral over a kernel of general relativistic quantities multiplied by a theory-dependent "source" term. The clear separation between theory-independent and -dependent terms allows for an explicit understanding of each physical effect introduced by altering the theory of gravity. We take advantage of this to explore the degeneracies between gravitational parameters in weak lensing observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parametrized frameworks for modified gravity are potentially useful tools for model-independent tests of general relativity on cosmological scales. The toy model of an Einstein-de Sitter universe provides a safe test bed in which to improve our understanding of their behavior. We implement a mathematically consistent parametri/ation at the level of the field equations, and use this to calcúlale the evolution of perturbations in an Einstein-de Sitter scenario. Our parametrization explicitly allows for new scalar degrees of freedom, and we compare this to theories in which the only degrees of freedom come from the metric and ordinary matter. The impact on the integrated Sachs-Wolfe effect and canonically conserved superhorizon perturbations is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]