What is a theory?
An idea that can be tested. Theories can be supported or rejected.
What is the theory-data cycle?
Theory - research question - research design - hypothesis - collect and analyse data - feed back into cycle.
What makes a good theory?
Supported by data, falsifiable, parsimonious (simple)
What makes a bad theory?
Intuition, anecdotes, personal experience
Name an example of a bad theory.
Phrenology.
What are the characteristics of pseudoscience?
Lack of falsifiability; lack of self-correction; emphasis on confirmation; evasion of peer-review; overreliance on testimonial and anecdotal evidence; use of hyper technical language.