Attributes of a good theory

The attributes of a good theory are easy to define, yet hard to quantify in terms of the intended goal, and how to research it. This gives it certain difficulty that even seasoned and experienced researchers encounter when developing new theories or reviewing old theories that may have held weight before. While classifying a theory as good or bad can be wholly subjective at times, there are some ways qualities to theories that can make them more relevant, and easier to research.

            One of these qualities is if the theory itself is consistent in its logical approaches. If the theory is consistently logical throughout, can be deconstructed into its individual pieces of supporting evidence and still make sense, it may hold some weight as a more valid theory. Theories are meant to be tested and either proved or disproved, it is much easier to investigate and test if it makes sense throughout. If some of the supporting evidence is inconsistent, not only does that invalidate the theory to a degree, but it also makes it harder to test, and ultimately prove, or disprove.

            On the topic of being able to prove or disprove a theory, they must be able to be disproved. For a theory to be a theory, it must be able to be tested and disproved. If not, it is more of a concept at this point than it is a theory. Theories can be disproved; concepts have already been proved true.

            Finally, a theory must be able to be investigated with as few differing variables as possible involved. Many different pieces of varying information will make it more difficult to investigate and could potentially muddle any results that come from the investigation and testing. Reducing to number of variables to the bare minimum enables researchers to test them in a variety of ways and see if they all support the given theory the way it is intended.

            While defining a theory as good or bad can be a subjective topic, there are indeed ways to see how well the theory has been developed. The evidence supporting the theory has to make sense throughout and be consistent with itself. The theory must be able to be tested and disproved, else it is not a theory, but a concept. Finally, it has should be designed with as few variables in mind to support itself and what it’s attempting to prove; many different variables, and avenues of research will muddle the end results, and make it more difficult to investigate for those interested in it. Keeping these factors in mind, developing theories should make an already strenuous task much easier for researchers looking to dive into any theoretical topic.