The general scientific principle that simpler theories should be preferred over complex theories unless there is compelling evidence to support a more complex theory leads scientists to favor ______ theories of speech perception.
A)special-mechanism
B)general-mechanism
C)motor
D)perceptual narrowing

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The general scientific principle mentioned in the question refers to Occam's Razor, which states that, all other things being equal, the simplest solution is usually the best one. In the case of speech perception, the general-mechanism theory proposes that the same basic cognitive and perceptual mechanisms that are used for non-speech sounds are also used for speech perception, unless there is compelling evidence to suggest otherwise. This is a simpler theory than the special-mechanism theory, which proposes that there are unique and specific mechanisms that are dedicated only to speech perception. Therefore, scientists would favor the general-mechanism theory unless there is compelling evidence to support the more complex special-mechanism theory. Motor and perceptual narrowing are not directly related to this principle.

The General Scientific Principle That Simpler Theories Should Be Preferred