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Introduction to Personality Theory 1. What is the relationship between theory and each of the following terms: (a) philosophy, (b) speculation, (c) hypothesis, and (d) taxonomy? Answer: A. A theory is a set of related assumptions capable of generating hypotheses. As such, it is narrower than a philosophy and more general than a hypothesis. B. Philosophy deals with what should be, whereas theories are built on scientific evidence. Theory relates to a branch of philosophy called epistemology, or the nature of knowledge, because theory is an essential tool of science, an important means of gaining knowledge. C. Although theories are built partially on speculation, they do not stem from baseless speculation. Theorists combine scientifically derived data with thoughtful speculation to construct theories that will lead to further scientific experimentation. D. A useful theory is capable of generating multiple hypotheses, or educated guesses. Scientists can test hypotheses through scientific experimentation, whereas theories are not directly testable. E. Theories should include a careful taxonomy, or classification system. A taxonomy is merely part of a useful theory. Unlike a theory, a taxonomy is not dynamic; that is, it is not capable of generating hypotheses. Page: 05–07 Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation 2. What is the relationship between theory and observation? Answer: Theories and observations have a mutual and dynamic interaction. A newly born theory is built on tentative observations. Scientists can test hypotheses spawned by that theory, leading to new observations. As more observations become available, the theory can grow to include a greater number of hypotheses, and, in turn, scientists can test these hypotheses and provide additional observations. Page: 11 Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation 3. List and briefly discuss six criteria for a useful theory
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