Final answer:
The best criteria for evaluating communication theory include accuracy, applicability, simplicity, and comprehensiveness. Validity is determined by how well the theory aligns with observations and logical consistency, as well as its pragmatic utility and adaptability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best criteria for evaluating communication theory involve several key factors, including accuracy, which refers to the extent to which the theory correctly describes the real world. Second, applicability addresses the scope of the theory and its relevance to various communication contexts. Third, simplicity assesses the theory based on its ease of understanding and use. Lastly, comprehensiveness gauges the extent to which a theory covers the breadth of the subject matter. When evaluating whether one theory is more valid than another, it is important to consider how well each theory describes empirical observations and adheres to logical consistency.
The validity of a communication theory is often determined by its alignment with observed realities (correspondence theory of truth), coherence within itself and existing knowledge, its pragmatic utility in terms of making reliable predictions (instrumentalist view), and its capacity to adapt and interpret large scale processes (information theoretic approaches).