| Topic: Evaluating Theories
A theory is a comprehensive
explanation of natural
phenomena. Anyone can come up with a theory. (Just listen
to
a groups of sports fans after their team lost a big game and you will
hear
a variety of theories.) But a good theory, particularly a
scientific theory, has to have certain criteria to it. They
are:
 Fits
known facts
| A theory cannot
contain elements that
are not a part of our reality. This is the separation between
science
and science fiction. |
Testable
| A
theory must make specific
predictions that can be tested empirically (empirical means that it is
based on observed data) and allow for the possibility of contradictory
evidence. If I make the claim that "if a baby's first dream is in
black and white, the baby will likely grow up to be maladjusted", I do
not have a good theory. It is impossible to know what a baby is
dreaming.
It cannot be tested; therefore, it is not a good theory. |
Predicts
new discoveries
This criteria simply
means we do not want to re-invent the wheel. A good scientist
creates
a theory by carefully studying existing empirical evidence and using
logic
to form new ideas. Science needs to be innovative; new ideas
are
naturally emphasized. |
Is
Parsimonious
|
Parsimony means
explaining theories in the simplest terms. If there are two
theories
that both explain a phenemena, the simpler and more straightforward
theory
is preferred. Likewise, one theory that explains a set of
phenomena
is preferred over several theories that also explain the set of
phenomena.
Simple is better. |
Good theories are the hallmark of any science.
|
