The explanatory power of a scientific theory is most closely linked to its capacity to generate testable:

The answer to the question: The explanatory power of a scientific theory is most closely linked to its capacity to generate testable:___, would be: testable predictions.

Explanation:

In research, one of the most important things to keep in mind is that when a hypothesis is established, this hypothesis must be testable and even falsifiable. This means that the hypothesis is good enough, and well created enough that it withstands multiple testings, generating multiple types of results. What is more, it is important that a hypothesis is good enough to withstand not just one testing, but re-testings. If this happens, then a hypothesis becomes reliable and valid, and the results that spring from it become also reliable for research. From these multiple tests of a hypothesis conclusions and results can be drawn that can also be transformed into actual theories.

The answer is prediction. The explanatory power of a scientific theory is most closely linked to its capacity to generate testable prediction.

EXPLANATION

A testable prediction is also known as a hypothesis. A hypothesis itself is a statement of two or more variables’ relationship. A hypothesis is a testable prediction on what you expect to happen in research.  

For example, there is a study that is designed to look at the relationship between job satisfaction and job performance. This study can have a hypothesis that states “This study designed to assess the hypothesis that people with high job satisfaction will have a higher score for job performance than the people with low job satisfaction."

A hypothesis is made to predict two or more variables’ relationship. This hypothesis is more than a guess, but it is based on theory and previous researches about the variables. To make a hypothesis, it involves a lot of theory and journal research, and also thorough background research. A hypothesis does not always have to be correct. The hypothesis is based on what the researchers are expecting to see, supported by theories and previous studies.  

When a study is happening, the researchers might also explore factors to make sure which variable really contribute to the ultimate outcome. A hypothesis can be proven right or can also be proven wrong, but it is still going to be a knowledge for the field of the study.

LEARN MORE

If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, we recommend you to also take a look at the following questions:

Deception in psychological research:  

Example of research:  

KEYWORD: hypothesis, testable prediction, study, research, prediction  

Subject: Social Studies

Class: 10-12

Subchapter: Hypothesis