Making a Theory Useful: Lessons Handed Down

Abstract

What makes a theory useful? Whether one is evaluating and investigating one's own or another's theory, there are some useful lessons to keep in mind. One lesson is that the reason a “good” theory should be testable, be coherent, be economical, be generalizable, and explain known findings is that all of these characteristics serve the primary function of a theory—to be generative of new ideas and new discoveries. Other lessons concern how to develop a theory (whether one's own or an adopted one). One lesson is to know what the theory is and what it is not—don't make it into something else either by “improving” it or by unfairly dismissing it. Know the theory's domain of applicability—do test its limits but don't overextend it. Know when the theory makes a prediction and when it does not—know when it is simply silent. This article concludes by offering the metaphor that the lessons for developing a theory to make it useful have a lot in common with good parenting. For example: Neither spoil nor abuse the theory; neither neglect nor abandon it; support and nurture the theory; don't overprotect it but do defend it; be patient with the theory—don't push it too hard or too fast; and finally, don't forget to love and enjoy it.