Chapter 2 Flashcards
How can you evaluate social work research questions
Feasibility, social importance, scientific relevance
What is a theory?
A theory is a set of interrelated abstract propositions or statements that offer an explanation to some phenomenon
What are abstract systems as related to theory
They link general and abstract propositions to particular testable phenomena
What are propositions as related to theory
Statements about the relationship between some elements in the theory
What are explanations as related to theory
The why
What are three main components of a hypothesis
Testable statements of presumed relationships between two or more concepts, state what we expect to find rather than what has already been determined to exist, helps us test the accuracy of a theory
How do you develop a hypothesis
Hypotheses are links to more abstract theories, independent and dependent variables must be clearly lines, precise nature and direction of the relationship between variables are specified, stated in a way that can be verified or refuted: testable, all of the concepts and comparisons must be clearly stated
What is the connection between a theory and a hypothesis
Hypothesis helps us test the accuracy of a theory
What is a variable
Things that are capable of taking on more than one value
Where do social work research questions come from?
Conceptual development: what concept will you study and how will it be defined?
Review of the literature: what does the literature say regarding your concept?
What are the functions of theories
Explanation of phenomena, guide for research and practice, integration of multiple observations, basis for deductive reason
What are two things to consider when conducting a literature review
clarify goals and quality is not guaranteed
