Final answer:
There is no universally accepted formula for evaluating competing theories in academia. Personal preferences, study objectives, and guiding principles within fields like conservation biology and economics influence the selection of theories and methods. Despite varying approaches across disciplines, rigorous data collection and methodology are critical for the best scientific outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to how we evaluate and choose between competing theories, acknowledging that there is no universally accepted formula to measure the degrees of simplicity, breadth, conservatism, and fruitfulness. The selection of research methods or theories is often dictated by personal preference, the objectives of the study, and the principles that guide the analysis within a specific field. For instance, in conservation biology, which may involve assessing different analysis techniques, researchers must be mindful of various principles without strict adherence to a single approach. Similarly, in economics, there is no single doctrine that governs economic theory. Instead, it's a tool for organizing ideas and posing questions, tailored by economists across the political spectrum to fit their beliefs and values.
In philosophy, questions like "what is truth?" do not have straightforward answers, as different theories offer varying perspectives. This complexity extends to education, where post-modern thinking challenges the notion of objective knowledge and emphasizes the tolerance of diverse belief systems. However, as suggested by the references, regardless of the complexity inherent in theories and methods, rigorous data collection and well-planned approaches lay the foundation for the best scientific outcomes.
In summary, while no exact formula for evaluating and selecting theories exists, an awareness of guiding principles, coupled with rigorous methodologies, shapes the most effective research and conclusions in any scholarly work. Recognizing that methodologies may vary considerably across disciplines, the core need for meticulous investigation remains constant.