Chapter 2 Flashcards
3 jobs of theories
- identify key variables
- tell causal stories
- explain variation
spatial variation
- multiple units measures @ one time
- cross sectional (CS)
EX. # of giving campaigns of each nonprofit in Broome county
temporal variation
- repeated measurement of one unit @ different moments in time
- time series (TS)
EX. Broome county covid cases everyday from May 7th - May 15th
time series cross-sectional (TSCS)
EX. BU mean GPAs across majors and semesters
hypothesis
predictions of what will happen if theory is correct
modifable variables
causes of outcome we influence
non-modifiable variables
cannot be changes by policy/practice
EX. policymaking done through democratic process in US
grand social theories
a.k.a. theoretical paradigms
- shape researchers view of variables and mechanisms
EX. rational choice theory - select decisions that max. benefits/utility
exploratory and qualitative research
linking threads of empirical evidence form exploratory studies in field
positive theory
how things are
normative theory
how things should be
model
graphical or mathematical representation of two items
variables
different values/attributes, can vary
relationships
show how change in x produces change in y
assumptions
explicit statements of assumptions lead us to think precisely
good model does three things
- connects X+Y via shortest route
- parsimonious relationship
3.make new predictions
causal mechanisms
process by which change in X is presumed to cause change in Y
units of analysis
objects or thins described ny variables in model
logic models
graphical model showing how a program produces desired outcomes
intervening variables
intervene between independent and dependent variables
- help articulate causal process through which change in X produces change in Y
Why use logic models?
- identify unrecognizable variables to track performance indicators
-helps design program evaluation
hierarchical models
describe relationship between variables @ different levels of units of analysis
