HOC4 : Theory and Concepts Flashcards
what is theory
a description of relationships among concepts or constructs -> to explain or predict a phenomenon
what does empirically supported mean
derived from data-tested and supported hypotheses
is theory the same as a framework
NO -> framework is a visualization of theory to enhance understanding
what are concepts
-> 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
what are constructs
abstract , less tangible concepts -> specifically developed for research or theory purpose -> ex , motivation (
what are definitions
to understand and measure concepts
to avoid confusion
( should avoid dictionary definitions often very general -> find definition in the papers themselves )
what is an operational definition
should help research to specify characteristics or phenomenon
is for measurement and testing purposes
what is a variable
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
what is an independent / explanatory variable
- predictor , cause
- influences the DV in a positive or negative way
- explains the dependent variable
what is a dependent variable
- criterion , response , consequence , effect
- the one the research wants to explain = of primary interest to find answers to problems
what are the conditions for a casual relationship between variables
-> 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
what is a moderating variable ( or interaction )
-> moderates the relationship between IV and DV
-> the relationship IV and DV depends on other variables
what is a mediating or intervening variable
-> 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.
what is a control variable CV
-> 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
what are the different types of conceptual framework
- cause and effect relationships
- process framework
- hierarchical framework
- maps and coordinates
- pairs of opposites
- exchange and equilibria
- similarity
what are cause and effect relationship
mostly based on hypothetical deductive research
representation of the hypothesis that one wants to research
what is a process framework
relationships between concepts are based on logic and proper order
what is a hierarchical process
concepts are related through a higher or lower position on a scale or in a hierarchy
what does maps and coordinates mean for framework purposes
locates concepts on horizontal and vertical scales of the map -> example a BCG matrix -> should be kept simple
what does pairs of opposites mean as a framework
completing elements or forces that are in continuous tension
meaning of exchange and equilibria as part of framework
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.
what does similarity mean as part of framework
groups of similar themes clustered together
what are the 3 common mistakes when developing conceptual frameworks
too complex -> rule is to follow Ockham’s Razor principle of problem solving
not specific
too general
what’s the difference between propositions and hypothesis
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
how to develop a hypothesis
starting from the theory you develop your hypothesis -> then use your data to test statements -> if hold true = in fact confirming the theory
what are the characteristics of a hypothesis
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
define correlation as a type of hypothesis
variables occur together without one causing the other
what is explanatory hypothesis
when the change in one variable ( IV) causes a change in the other ( DV) -> there is a direction or influence
what is a null hypothesis
indicates that variables are not related -> no significant difference or relationship
what is an alternative hypothesis
opposite of the null -> indicates that there is difference or relationship ( ‘ not the same ‘ , ‘ greater than ‘ , ‘less than ‘ form )
