Which aspect of a theory ensures it does not propose illogical relationships?

Logical soundness is crucial in the formulation of a theory as it ensures that the relationships it proposes are coherent and make sense. This aspect involves the internal consistency of the theory's concepts and the connections made between them. A theory that exhibits logical soundness does not present contradictions and supports its propositions with rational justifications, creating a clear and understandable framework for explaining phenomena.

Furthermore, logical soundness helps to establish a foundation that allows for empirical testing and observation. Theories lacking logical soundness may lead to flawed conclusions or misguided interpretations, making it essential for all theoretical propositions to be logically structured. This coherence allows scholars and practitioners to confidently engage with and apply the theory in real-world contexts or further research.

While the other aspects—testability, scope, and sensitizing ability—are important in their own right, they do not directly address the fundamental requirement of maintaining logical relationships within the theory's framework. Testability focuses on whether the theory can be empirically verified, scope pertains to the breadth and applicability of the theory, and sensitizing ability relates to how well the theory can illuminate specific phenomena or questions.