How to critically analyse a theory, model or framework The evaluative words used most often to refer to theory, model or framework are a sound theory or a strong theory. The table below summarizes the criteria for judging the strengths and weaknesses of a theory: comprehensive clear logical practical applicable empirically supported up-to-date parsimonious Evaluating a Theory, Model or Framework The table below lists the criteria for the strengths and their corresponding weaknesses that are usually considered in a theory. Strengths Weaknesses Comprehensively accounts for main phenomena overlooks or omits important features or concepts Clear, detailed vague, unexplained, ill-defined, misconceived Main tenets or concepts are logical and consistent concepts or tenets are inconsistent or contradictory Practical, useful impractical, unuseful Applicable across a range of settings, contexts, groups and conditions limited or narrow applicability Empirically supported by a large body of evidence propositions and predictions are supported by evidence supported by small or no body of evidence insufficient empirical support for the propositions and predictions Up-to-date, accounts for new developments outdated Parsimonius (not excessive): simple, clear, with few variables excessive, overly complex or complicated Critical analysis examples of theories The following sentences are examples of the phrases used to explain strengths and weaknesses. Smith’s (2005) theory appears up to date, practical and applicable across many divergent settings. Brown’s (2010) theory, although parsimonious and logical, lacks a sufficient body of evidence to support its propositions and predictions Little scientific evidence has been presented to support the premises of this theory. One of the limitations with this theory is that it does not explain why… A significant strength of this model is that it takes into account … The propositions of this model appear unambiguous and logical. A key problem with this framework is the conceptual inconsistency between ….