1. Reflects the real world of children
2. Is clearly understandable
3. Explains the past and predicts the future
4. Guides child rearing
5. Is internally consistent
6. Is economical
7. Is falsifiable
8. Is supported by convincing evidence
9. Adapts to new data
10. Is novel
11. Is comprehensive
12. Stimulates new discoveries
13. Is durable
14. Is self-satisfying