In Contrast to Conspiracy Theorists Who Add Assumptions and Complexity

question 19

Multiple Choice

In contrast to conspiracy theorists who add assumptions and complexity to their theories as a way to account for claims not supported by data, scientists depend on _____ to try to keep their theories no more complicated than required to account for the data.

• A) parsimony
• B) economical prediction
• C) testability
• D) falsifiability

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Definitions:

Erikson

A developmental psychologist known for his theory on the psychosocial development across eight stages from infancy to adulthood.

Industry

The production of goods or related services within an economy, or a specific sector of production or trade.

Irreversibility

The cognitive incapacity in early childhood to understand that actions, once performed, can be undone to return to the original state.

Mental Undo

The cognitive process of reversing or attempting to reverse the effects of one’s earlier actions or decisions.