Lessons for Theory from Scientific Domains Where Evidence is Sparse or Indirect

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary science
• Cognitive science
• Anthropology

Background:

• Sparse and indirect empirical evidence presents significant challenges for theory development in many scientific fields.
• Theories on the evolution of human cognition serve as a key example, focusing on evolutionary processes in human ancestors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To distill virtuous practices for scientific theory development when faced with sparse or indirect evidence.
• To demonstrate how such evidence can catalyze, rather than inhibit, scientific progress.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of theoretical and empirical work in the evolution of human cognition.
• Identification and distillation of five key practices for handling limited evidence.

Main Results:

• Five virtuous practices were identified: making assumptions explicit, making alternative theories explicit, pursuing computational and formal modeling, seeking external consistency, and triangulating evidence.
• These practices can help overcome challenges posed by sparse and indirect evidence.

Conclusions:

• Sparse and indirect evidence can stimulate scientific theory development.
• The identified practices offer a framework applicable to various scientific domains facing similar evidential limitations.