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10 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What is required for evaluating a theory? (7) |
Logical Consistency Clear Concepts Scope Parsimony Usefulness/policy Implications Testable/falsifiable Empirical validity |
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Logical consistency |
The proposition of a theory must be logically stated and internally consistent.
Good theories do not contradict themselves. |
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Clear Concepts |
Concepts must have clear boundaries.
No ambiguity about what a concept does and does not include. |
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Scope |
The range of behavior that a theory can explain.
All else being equal, a theory that can explain all crime is preferable |
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Parsimony |
Simple
All else being equal, a simple theory is better than a complicated one. |
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Usefulness/policy implications |
Prefer a theory that provides useful/effective policy implications.
Policy implications of some theories are not practical. |
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Testable/falsifiable |
If a theory cannot be tested, it has no scientific value.
Falsifiable - open to evidence that would counter or disprove hypothesis
A theory is never proven, only supported. It's always possible that a future test may falsify a theory. |
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Reasons why a theory can't be tested or falsified? |
Concepts can't be observed.
Contradictory results can be reinterpreted to support the theory.
Theory is tautological |
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What is tautology? |
Statements that are true by definition (circular meaning).
May be created when a label is used to explain a behavior (i.e. serial killer)
Dependent and independent variable are measured using the same or similar items. |
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Empirical validity |
Extent to which a theory has been supported by research.
The most important criteria for evaluating a theory. |
