What does the term 'tractable' refer to in scientific research?

The term 'tractable' in scientific research refers to an idea or concept that is feasible for testing and analysis, particularly when all limitations and constraints are taken into account. Tractable concepts are those that researchers can design experiments or studies around, allowing for meaningful and valid conclusions to be drawn from the results. This implies that the concept is manageable, clear enough for operationalization, and can be assessed using appropriate methodologies.

In contrast, concepts that are overly complex and difficult to test do not fit this definition, as they pose a challenge to researchers who seek concrete data and results. Similarly, ideas that are unverifiable or cannot be tested lack the tractability required for scientific inquiry. Lastly, universally accepted ideas are not necessarily tractable if they lack an empirical basis or if they cannot be subjected to testing and experimentation. Therefore, the focus on the ability to rigorously test a concept, while considering limitations, highlights the essence of what makes a scientific idea tractable.