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Questions and Answers
Which of the following are components of a useful theory? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are components of a useful theory? (Select all that apply)
- Is internally consistent (correct)
- Generates research (correct)
- Is not falsifiable
- Guides action (correct)
A theory must be complex to be considered useful.
A theory must be complex to be considered useful.
False (B)
What does Occam's Razor state?
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 ______.
A proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence is known as a ______.
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Which of the following are components of a useful theory? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are components of a useful theory? (Select all that apply)
A useful theory is always internally inconsistent.
A useful theory is always internally inconsistent.
What is the principle of parsimony?
What is the principle of parsimony?
According to Occam's razor, explanations should rely on as few ______ as possible.
According to Occam's razor, explanations should rely on as few ______ as possible.
What is a hypothesis?
What is a hypothesis?
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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.
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