To decide whether a theory is parsimonious,what do scientists consider?
A)Whether or not the theory leads to practical applications
B)Whether or not the theory is popular with the general public
C)Whether or not the theory can be stated with mathematical precision
D)How simple the assumptions behind the theory are

Question

To decide whether a theory is parsimonious,what do scientists consider?​
A)Whether or not the theory leads to practical applications
B)​Whether or not the theory is popular with the general public
C)​​Whether or not the theory can be stated with mathematical precision
D)​How simple the assumptions behind the theory are

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To decide whether a theory is parsimonious, scientists consider how simple the assumptions behind the theory are. Parsimony in scientific theories means that they should be simple and use the fewest assumptions possible to explain a phenomenon. The simplicity of assumptions makes the theory easier to understand and test, which makes it more likely to be a good explanation for the phenomenon it describes. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not relate to the concept of parsimony in theories.

To Decide Whether a Theory Is Parsimonious,what Do Scientists Consider?​

To Decide Whether a Theory Is Parsimonious,what Do Scientists Consider?