Professor Smith has developed a theory that is rather straightforward compared to the complex theory of Professor Jones. Both theories generate a number of new hypotheses from other researchers. Even though both theories predict the same phenomena well, the preferred theory is ________.
A)Professor Smith's because it conforms to the law of parsimony
B)Professor Smith's because it will be easiest to prove
C)Professor Jones' because it is complex and will generate more hypotheses
D)Professor Jones' because its complexity allows for more testability

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The law of parsimony (also known as Occam's Razor) suggests that the simplest explanation is usually the correct one. Since Professor Smith's theory is more straightforward yet predicts phenomena just as well as Professor Jones' complex theory, it is preferred according to this principle.

Professor Smith Has Developed a Theory That Is Rather Straightforward