Lecture 3 Flashcards
Theory
Created out of a need to organize & give meaning to phenomena. Set of things that specify a relationship among variables in a systematic way.
Scientific theory
Deals with the empirical world of observation & experience
Components of Scientific theory
Concepts are abstractions that allow us to classify natural phenomena & empirical observations. A concept that can’t be directly observed is a construct.
Operational Definitions
A concrete behavioral or observational requirement that is assigned to a construct so that it may be observed.
Propositions
State the relationship between concepts / variables, in one of several ways
Hierarchical Propositions
Show a vertical relationship, with ordered levels of concepts
Temporal Propositions
Order concepts in time and state a sequence of events
Quantitative Propositions
Based on the frequency or duration of a specific behavior
Models
An analogy for a complex phenomenon, may simulate real-world conditions
Inductive theories
Evolve through inductive reasoning
Hypothetical Deductive Theories
Begin with few or no prior observations
Characteristics of good theories
Rational explanation, economical, important, fluid. Theory should be construed as a research directive –> Theories are developed, not discovered.
Theory Testing
Specific propositions or concepts are testable –> A theory which is absolutely consistent is a law
Positivism
Refers to the examination of components of the whole, isolated from their context, in search of universal laws or truth. Issue is that it can’t capture ambiguities. One answer is to engage in qualitative research in the development of theory.
Retrospective Research
Data (outcome) has been collected before research questions were developed.
