Question

Define each of the six criteria of useful scientific theory.

Evaluate how well each criterion applies to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory in approximately 90 words per criterion. Explain your answers.

Answer 1

Cramer gave a list of six criteria that can be used to evaluate any scientific theory. The six criteria and the evaluation of Freud's theory are as follows:

1. Comprehensiveness: This refers to the degree to which a scientific theory explains multiple phenomena. A theory can be narrow so that it explains only a few phenomenon or broad such that it explains a number of phenomenon. Freud's psychoanalysis is good on comprehensiveness. It explains a range of phenomenon: personality, psychopathology, the structure of the unconscious, the role of defense mechanisms, stages of development and much more.

2. Prediction and testability: This criteria states that a good theory should be testable. The concepts should be defined in a way that allow scientific investigation. Freud's psychoanalytic theory fails this criteria. His concepts have been deemed as ambiguous and vaguely defined. It is difficult to subject them to empirical investigation.

3. Parsimony: This means that a theory should be simple. The ideas it presents should be easily comprehendible and not too complex. Freud's theory, however, has been regarded as too simplistic; it assumes that all humans do is seek pleasure and avoid pain. Sex and aggression are the only motivating factors for people. This has been criticized on several grounds. Several theorists argue that there is much more to human behavior than simply chasing pleasure and avoiding pain.

4. Heuristic value: This criterion states that a good theory should be able to promote and generate thinking and ideas in other directions. Freud's psychoanalysis is high on this aspect. Many neo Freudians have developed their own theories based on and at the same time, significantly differing from Freud's. Freud's theory has also penetrated to other fields like art and sexuality.

5. Empirical value: This means that a good theory must be able to perform the functions of prediction and control. Freud's theory fails this criterion as it offers many different possible explanations about what could happen in an individual's development.

6. Applied value: This means that a theory can be applied to real life to address problems. Freud's theory passes this criterion. Several concepts developed by Freud are still widely used in therapeutic practice, an example being the technique of free association.