Chapter 3- Thinking About Theory Flashcards
Concepts
Relationships
Terms or labels for elements of that theory. Do not transfer
The ways concepts relate to each other
Goals of theory
Explain, understand, predict, and create social change
Positivistic or empirical approach
Objective truths
Science valued
Laws govern interaction
To make broad generalizations
Interpretive approach
Truth is subjective and co-created
Aware of biases
Interested in rich description not broad laws
To illuminate individual cases
Critical approach
Knowledge is power
Researchers responsibility to change status quo
To critique
Ontology
Questions about the nature of reality
Epistemology
How do we know things?
What counts as knowledge
Axiology
What is worth knowing
How do you see values
Theory definition
Abstract system of concepts with indications of relationships among these concepts that help us understand a phenomenon
Covering law approach
Theories conform to a general law that is universal. If, then. Extreme positivistic
Rules approach
Theories are governed by guidelines but have some free choice
Systems approach
Human behavior is apart of a system. No individual moments. Butterfly effect
Scope
Breadth of communication. Boundaries
Logical consistency
Doesn’t contradict itself
Parsimony
Clean, clear, simple
