27 August Flashcards
What is theory?
- What are the variable or concepts that the theory examines
- How are these variables or concepts related – causality – theory concerned with cause and effect
- Why are these variable or concepts related – critical element as it explains the relationship between variable or concepts
- In summary, theory must not only include ‘what’ and ‘how’ elements of variables but also use logical reasoning to explain why the relationship exists
- Once this explanation exists, predictions can be made when underpinning variables are manipulated
What are the limitations of theory?
- Who does this theory apply to
- Where does this theory apply
- When does this theory apply
When do we use theory?
We use theory in our lives and the jobs we undertake – example of the loyalty card (variable A – loyalty card), (variable B – behavior of customers)
Deductive vs inductive approach.
Deductive:
Research is theory driven
Research designed to test a theory
Adopt a theoretical position that you will test through the collection of data
Inductive:
Research is data driven
Research designed to develop a theory
Explore a topic and develop a theoretical explanation through the collection and analysis of data
What is a grand theory?
massive capacity to change way we think about the world (natural scientists, Darwin, newton etc), applicable on wide scale
What is a middle-ground theory?
lack capacity to change way we think about world but are still of significance (e.g. human motivation)
What is a substantive theory?
restricted to particular time, setting, population or problem, wont change way we think about the world.
List sources from most to least useful
- Academic journals
- Books
- Masters thesis/doctoral dissertation
- Research groups/companies
- Conference papers
- Consulting publications
- Websites and blogs
- Industry news
- White papers
- Company reports
Go over referencing from the slide pack
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