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Evaluative Criteria for Scientific and Interpretive Theories

Learn about the different criteria used to evaluate scientific and interpretive theories. Scientific criteria include explanatory power, predictive power, parsimony, falsifiability, and practical utility. Interpretive criteria include understanding of people, clarification of values, aesthetic appeal, community of agreement, and reform of society.

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Evaluative Criteria for Scientific and Interpretive Theories

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  1. COM 452 Evaluative Criteria For Scientific and Interpretive Theories

  2. Not all theories are created equal • There are different criteria by which to evaluate different theories • An orange won’t withstand apple criteria and vice versa • Scientific theories should be evaluated by one set of criteria; interpretive by another • Within each perspective, some theories are better than others

  3. Scientific Criterion 1 • Explanatory Power • Explains the event or behavior • Makes sense out of complex events • Focuses on important variables • Explains what, how and why • Explains processes and outcomes

  4. Scientific Criterion 2 • Predictive Power • Predicts what will happen • More accurate in the physical sciences • In social sciences we look at probability

  5. Scientific Criterion 3 • Parsimony • Relative simplicity • As simple as possible

  6. Scientific Criterion 4 • Falsifiability • Hypotheses that can be tested • If there is no way to prove a theory false, then the assumption it’s true is mere guesswork

  7. Scientific Criterion 5 • Practical Utility • Usefulness • A good theory provides increased control

  8. Interpretive Criterion 1 • Understanding of People • Elucidates texts • Clarifies complex communication • Suggests universal patterns of symbol usage

  9. Interpretive Criterion 2 • Clarification of Values • What ought to happen • What is important for a just society • Liberty, equality (apple pie…)

  10. Interpretive Criterion 3 • Aesthetic Appeal • Form as “captivating” as content • Critic/theorist as “artist”

  11. Interpretive Criterion 4 • Community of Agreement • Must have widespread scrutiny and usage

  12. Interpretive Criterion 5 • Reform of Society • Challenges cultural assumptions • Generates alternatives for social action

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