The acceptance of a theory as a basis for research depends primarily on its
A) parsimonious explanation of observed facts.
B) usefulness in leading to confirmable hypotheses.
C) consistency with previously established knowledge.
D) ability to point up new areas of investigation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The usefulness of a theory in leading to confirmable hypotheses is crucial for its acceptance as a basis for research. A theory that can generate testable predictions and hypotheses is more likely to be accepted than a theory that lacks this feature. While factors such as parsimony, consistency with previously established knowledge, and ability to point up new areas of investigation are also important, they are not as fundamental as the ability of a theory to generate testable hypotheses.

The Acceptance of a Theory as a Basis for Research