How to evaluate a theory Flashcards
1
Q
How many criterias are there?
A
6
- Theoretical scope
- Appropriateness
- Heuristic value
- Validity
- Parsimony
- Openess
2
Q
What is theoretical scope?
A
Scope is the level of coverage in the theory.
A theory is good, when it is generalized, it should not bee too specific, but not to broad.
3
Q
What is appropriateness?
A
Is the theory logical in itself?
Does their claims fit with the type of research or assumptions
4
Q
What is heuristic value?
A
Can the theory generate new ideas for further research and additional theory?
Can the theory create new knowledge, and not only repeat what is already there.
5
Q
What is validity? There are 3 types
A
- Is it important and useful?
- Is there correspondence // is what you claim really happening in the real world or realistic
- Is it generalizable?
6
Q
What is parsimony?
A
Is there logical simplicity?
- A theory should be simple, but not missing important factors.
- How many variables are there?
7
Q
What is openess?
A
Is it open to other possibilities, that the theory is a construction of one way to see it, and not only a reproduction of reality.
