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Characteristics
of a "good" theory
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| 1. A theory is better if it accurately reflects the facts of the real world. |
| 2. A theory is better if it is stated in a way that makes it clearly understandable to anyone who is reasonably competent. |
| 3. A theory is better if it not only explains the past, but helps predict the future with specifics. |
| 4. A theory is better if it offers practical guidance in solving daily problems. |
| 5. A theory is better if it is internally consistent (should fit together logically). |
| 6. A theory is better if it is economical in the sense there are as few unproven assumptions as possible and it explains as much as possible (law of parsimony). |
| 7. A theory is better if it is falsifiable or disconfirmable. |
| 8. A theory is better if it stimulates new knowledge. |
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9. A good theory is one that makes good sense. |
| Adapted from Comparing Theories of Child Development (4th edition), by R. Thomas |