Skip to content

A theory may be so rich in descriptive possibilities that…

“A theory may be so rich in descriptive possibilities that it can be made to fit any data.” quote by Phillip Johnson-Laird
Download Open image
“A theory may be so rich in descriptive possibilities that it can be made to fit any data.”

Phillip Johnson-Laird

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A theory can be so flexible it fits any data, warning against over‑fitting.

In simple terms: Theory can be overly flexible.

Key Takeaway

Guard against overly mal explanations.

Themes

theory flexibility data science methodology

Mood

analytical cautious

Type

Engineering:0 Funny:0 Possibilities:0 Theory:1 Descriptive Possibilities:0 Theory Rich:0 Possibilities Fit:0

When to use this quote

  • research design
  • data analysis
  • academic writing

Key Concepts

epistemology modeling critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How to test theory robustness?
  • When does flexibility become a flaw?
A Different Perspective

Over‑flexibility can undermine scientific rigor.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More Engineering quotes

Browse all 3,003 Engineering quotes