Podcast Beta
Questions and Answers
Which of the following are components of a useful theory? (Select all that apply)
A theory must be complex to be considered useful.
False
What does Occam's Razor state?
Explanations should rely on as few assumptions as possible.
A proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence is known as a ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following are components of a useful theory? (Select all that apply)
Signup and view all the answers
A useful theory is always internally inconsistent.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the principle of parsimony?
Signup and view all the answers
According to Occam's razor, explanations should rely on as few ______ as possible.
Signup and view all the answers
What is a hypothesis?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Six Components of a Useful Theory
- Generates research: A useful theory stimulates and guides ongoing research efforts.
- Is falsifiable: The theory must be able to be tested, allowing for confirmation or disconfirmation of its claims.
- Organizes data: Provides a structured framework to organize and interpret information effectively.
- Guides action: Helps identify appropriate actions or strategies based on its insights.
- Is internally consistent: All components must be logically compatible and coherent with each other.
- Is parsimonious: The theory should be simple and straightforward, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
Principle of Parsimony
- Suggests that phenomena are usually interconnected in the simplest, most economical way.
Occam's Razor
- A principle attributed to William of Occam, asserting that explanations should rely on few assumptions to avoid unnecessary complexity.
Theory
- Functions as a tool for generating research questions and organizing observational data.
Hypothesis
- A tentative explanation formulated based on limited evidence, serving as a starting point for further investigation.
Six Components of a Useful Theory
- Generates research to stimulate and guide future studies.
- Is falsifiable, meaning it can be confirmed or disproven through evidence.
- Organizes data, providing a structured theoretical framework for information.
- Guides action by discerning suitable courses of action based on the theory.
- Is internally consistent, with all components logically compatible and coherent.
- Is parsimonious; theories should be simple and straightforward to maximize understanding.
Principle of Parsimony
- Suggests that connections and behaviors are typically organized in the simplest or most economical manner.
Occam's Razor
- A philosophical principle attributed to William of Occam advocating that explanations should rely on the fewest assumptions.
Theory
- Serves as a tool for generating research and organizing observations for deeper understanding.
Hypothesis
- Represents a proposed explanation based on limited evidence, acting as a starting point for further investigation and validation.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers the essential components of a useful theory in research, including generating research, being falsifiable, and guiding action.
