Testability: The degree to which a theory is constructed such that empirical refutation is possible. Empirical support: The degree to which a theory is supported by empirical studies that confirm its validity. Explanatory power: The degree to which a theory accounts for and predicts all known observations within its scope, is simple in that it has few ad hoc assumption, and relates to that which is already well understood. Parsimony: The degree to which a theory is economically constructed with a minimum of concepts and propositions. Generality: The breadth of the scope of a theory and the degree to which the theory is independent of specific settings. Utility: The degree to which a theory supports the relevant areas of the software industry.

D. I. K. Sjøberg, T. Dybå, B. C. D. Anda, and J. E. Hannay, “Building Theories in Software Engineering,” in Guide to Advanced Empirical Software Engineering SE - 12, F. Shull, J. Singer, and D. K. Sjøberg, Eds. Springer London, 2008, pp. 312–336. [Springerlink]