HOC4 : Theory and Concepts

Question 1

what is theory

Answer 1

a description of relationships among concepts or constructs -> to explain or predict a phenomenon

Question 2

what does empirically supported mean

Answer 2

derived from data-tested and supported hypotheses

Question 3

is theory the same as a framework

Answer 3

NO -> framework is a visualization of theory to enhance understanding

Question 4

what are concepts

Answer 4

-> generally accepted collection of meanings or characteristics associated with phenomena , objects , behaviors , situations
-> acquired overt time through research , shared usage -> beyond dictionary definition
-> hypothesis are based on concepts

Question 5

what are constructs

Answer 5

abstract , less tangible concepts -> specifically developed for research or theory purpose -> ex , motivation (

Question 6

what are definitions

Answer 6

to understand and measure concepts
to avoid confusion
( should avoid dictionary definitions often very general -> find definition in the papers themselves )

Question 7

what is an operational definition

Answer 7

should help research to specify characteristics or phenomenon

is for measurement and testing purposes

Question 8

what is a variable

Answer 8

makes a concept measurable -> when you know what concepts are then it is time to assign variables to the concepts -> for each concept you will have a variable
-> it is anything that can take on varying values -> ex , by person , by object , over time

Question 9

what is an independent / explanatory variable

Answer 9

• predictor , cause
• influences the DV in a positive or negative way
• explains the dependent variable

Question 10

what is a dependent variable

Answer 10

• criterion , response , consequence , effect
• the one the research wants to explain = of primary interest to find answers to problems

Question 11

what are the conditions for a casual relationship between variables

Answer 11

-> IV and DV should covary
-> IV precedes DV
-> no other factor should be a possible cause of change in DV ( if so -> control variable to separate effect )
-> a theory must explain why IV effects DV

Question 12

what is a moderating variable ( or interaction )

Answer 12

-> moderates the relationship between IV and DV
-> the relationship IV and DV depends on other variables

Question 13

what is a mediating or intervening variable

Answer 13

-> surfaces between time and IV starts to influence the DV and time then impact on DV is felt
-> helps to understand how IV affects DV
-> is a third variable that explains the relationship between the independent and dependent variables in a statistical analysis, providing insight into the underlying mechanism of the observed effect.

Question 14

what is a control variable CV

Answer 14

-> is a factor held constant in an experiment or study to isolate the impact of the independent variable, allowing researchers to assess its specific effect on the dependent variable.
-> may influence , DV but is not at the core of the phenomenon we study
-> included to avoid bias in results
-> ex. gender

Question 15

what are the different types of conceptual framework

Answer 15

• cause and effect relationships
• process framework
• hierarchical framework
• maps and coordinates
• pairs of opposites
• exchange and equilibria
• similarity

Question 16

what are cause and effect relationship

Answer 16

mostly based on hypothetical deductive research
representation of the hypothesis that one wants to research

Question 17

what is a process framework

Answer 17

relationships between concepts are based on logic and proper order

Question 18

what is a hierarchical process

Answer 18

concepts are related through a higher or lower position on a scale or in a hierarchy

Question 19

what does maps and coordinates mean for framework purposes

Answer 19

locates concepts on horizontal and vertical scales of the map -> example a BCG matrix -> should be kept simple

Question 20

what does pairs of opposites mean as a framework

Answer 20

completing elements or forces that are in continuous tension

Question 21

meaning of exchange and equilibria as part of framework

Answer 21

exchange relationships = common in economics , business and management
-> associated with ideas of equilibrium and trade off
-> refers to transactions or interactions, while equilibria represent stable states or conditions where opposing forces are balanced.

Question 22

what does similarity mean as part of framework

Answer 22

groups of similar themes clustered together

Question 23

what are the 3 common mistakes when developing conceptual frameworks

Answer 23

too complex -> rule is to follow Ockham’s Razor principle of problem solving
not specific
too general

Question 24

what’s the difference between propositions and hypothesis

Answer 24

when its quantitative research = hypothesis
when its qualitative research = proposition
-> phrase both in the same clear way -> but a hypothesis is testing using qualitative data
whereas with propositions -> have a theory and want to demonstrate it is based on interviewed for example

Question 25

how to develop a hypothesis

Answer 25

starting from the theory you develop your hypothesis -> then use your data to test statements -> if hold true = in fact confirming the theory

Question 26

what are the characteristics of a hypothesis

Answer 26

guides direction of study
identifies concepts that are relevant
testable through data analysis
helps to draw conclusions
clarifies on research questions -> yet started as expectation to what will be found

Question 27

define correlation as a type of hypothesis

Answer 27

variables occur together without one causing the other

Question 28

what is explanatory hypothesis

Answer 28

when the change in one variable ( IV) causes a change in the other ( DV) -> there is a direction or influence

Question 29

what is a null hypothesis

Answer 29

indicates that variables are not related -> no significant difference or relationship

Question 30

what is an alternative hypothesis

Answer 30

opposite of the null -> indicates that there is difference or relationship ( ‘ not the same ‘ , ‘ greater than ‘ , ‘less than ‘ form )