Skip to main content
eScholarship
Open Access Publications from the University of California

UC San Diego

UC San Diego Previously Published Works bannerUC San Diego

Reply to Rodgers and Rowe (2002)

Abstract

That a theory fits data is meaningful only if it was plausible that the theory would not fit. Roberts and Pashler (2000) knew of no enduring theories initially supported by good fits alone (good fits, that is, where it was not clear that the theory could have plausibly failed to fit). Rodgers and Rowe (in press) claim to provide six examples. Their three non-psychological examples (Kepler et al.) are instances of what we consider good practice: How the theory constrained outcomes was clear, so it was easy to see that data might plausibly have contradicted it. Their three psychological examples are flawed in various ways. It remains possible that no examples exist.

Many UC-authored scholarly publications are freely available on this site because of the UC's open access policies. Let us know how this access is important for you.

Main Content
For improved accessibility of PDF content, download the file to your device.
Current View