Chapter 2 Flashcards
Theory
Links two separate domains and as a result provides
descriptions, summaries, integration, and explanations about
what is known
Paradigms
A comprehensive belief system, world view or framework
that guides research and practice in the field
Positivism
Generally refers to the notion that society can be studied scientifically, through the same basic principles applied in the natural and
life sciences
Conflict Paradigm
Social organization was shaped by the outcome of
competition between social and economic classes
Critical Theory
A worldview that challenges the idea of a single truth and aims to understand human experiences to bring about social change
Symbolic Interaction-ism
Focused on societies, social classes, and other large
aggregations as units of analysis
Rational Choice Theory
Assumes individuals act rationally to maximize their payoffs
Human Capital Theory
It is an economic theory that suggests that
increasing levels of education or improving skill
set can lead to increased productivity
Theory 4 Components
Constructs
Propositions
Logic
Assumptions
Macrotheory
General treats aggregations of people as
units of analysis.
[Societies, regions, countries.]
Explains outcomes in terms of characteristics of these
aggregations
Microtheory
Focuses on interactions between individuals
Parsimony
Theory should be simple
[less error that way]
Falsifiability
Must be refutable
Explanatory Power
The extent to which theory is able to make accurate predictions
Logical Consistency
Are the building blocks of theory consistent with each other?
Are there contradictions inherent in the theory?
