ABSTRACT
The social sciences continue to undergo transformation as the application of metaanalysis resolves empirical controversies. The most pressing problem plaguing the social sciences remains the inconsistency of findings among empirical investigations. Without the ability to generate consistency across a body of empirical findings there exists no basis for determining facts. Facts serve as grist for the mill of theory. Without an ability to appeal to facts as a yardstick to measure the accuracy of any particular theoretical claim, theories cannot be assessed for predictive validity. When multiple theories offer explanation (some inconsistent with the other), some means of evaluation to determine which theory provides better or more accurate descriptions must exist. The empirical accuracy of a theory, particularly when judged over time against a constantly increasing set of empirical generalizations, provides a basis for preferring of one theory over another. Although other standards for evaluating and preferring a theory exist (parsimony, heuristic value, etc.), one fundamental requirement for any theory remains explanatory consistency with collected data.
