If there are significant gaps in the evidence, the theory can benefit from further investigation.
The same is true of the complexity level of the theory is not very high. More components can then be added by further investigation.
A theory can also be evaluated according to its ability to serve as an indicator of future phenomena. This makes a theory applicable to further scientific investigation, and furthermore also allow for further development in the theory itself. If the theory is for example a consistently accurate predictor of future events or phenomena, it can be viewed as valid. If it however proves inaccurate in one or some of its predictions, further evidence and modifications will be necessary.
Furthermore, theories can be evaluated in terms of the analytical and the empirical approach. The former refers to the structure of the theory, while the latter refers to its overall strength. When testing the components, complexity, and formation of the theory, the analytical approach is therefore taken, while the theory's ability to function in the scientific world, such as to make predictions, takes the empirical approach.
In the scientific community, theory evaluation is a very important component of investigation and discovery. The information age lends itself perfectly to scientific growth - information and evidence are readily available via the Internet, while contacts can easily be made and maintained via the online platform. In this way, the scientific community forms a much more consistent whole in order to make more rapid and valid future discoveries.
This consistent community can also more easily test hypotheses and evaluate theories in order to ensure that human knowledge develops and grows in a valid and consistent way. Scientific theory connects scientific law as established for centuries, with future hypotheses and theories. They create a platform for further scientific investigation, and in this way allow the world to become a richer and healthier environment for humankind.
Theory evaluation therefore entails the various components within a theory, and also the way in which it functions in the scientific world.
4. Before exploring what a science of psychology should study, it is useful to examine the nature of psychology itself. Psychology focuses on the study of the mind. The mind is a very complex system of nerves and cells that directly affect not only physical processes, but also nonphysical processes such as behavior and emotion. Psychology studies the mind by examining the manifestations of the mind in terms of behavior.
Psychology as a science should then apply the scientific process to the study of the mind by means of observable behavior. A behavioral manifestation is for example observed and a hypothesis formed. More evidence is gathered and published. The psychological community then substantiates and accepts the hypothesis as theory, and use it as a basis for further investigation. Psychology is a particularly rich field in which to apply this, as human behavior is a very complex and diverse field.
Particularly during modern times, globalization has resulted in easy access to a variety of cultures. Psychological scientists can then...
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