Research Design: The Role of Theory

Question 1

What is theory not?

Answer 1

Data, Typologies, and Metaphors

Question 2

What are the components of theory?

Answer 2

Constructs, measurement rules, and variables

• A construct is a hypothesized property or entity in terms of which the elements of a system or population are assumed to differ
  o Example: personality factors (e.g., extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, conscientiousness), or dimensions of the market orientation of firms (e.g., customer orientation, competitor orientation)
• Once a measurement rule for a construct has been defined and the relations between the elements on the property have been mapped onto a system of numbers or symbols (= scaling), we speak of a variable

Question 3

What are the criteria for evaluating theories?

Answer 3

The two primary criteria upon which any theory may be evaluated are (a) falsifiability and (b) utility.

• Falsifiability determines whether a theory is constructed such that empirical disproof is possible
• Utility refers to the usefulness of theoretical systems
• utility may be viewed as “the bridge that connects theory and research”

Question 4

Mention the elements of Criteria for the Evaluation of Theories based on Variables, Constructs, and Relationships

Answer 4

see word page 15

Question 5

Explain non-contradictory

Answer 5

if, for example, the theory assumes that X is a necessary and sufficient condition for Y, it must also assume that ⌐X is a necessary and sufficient condition for ⌐Y

Question 6

Explain non-tautological

Answer 6

a predicted effect must not already be included in the assumed cause (e.g., this would be the case in ”we predict that companies with a higher level of market orientation respond more rapidly to competitors’ actions” – the construct of market orientation is somewhat already related to response to competitors’ actions)

Question 7

Explain explanatory potential and predictive adequacy

Answer 7

Consistency: a theory must not contradict established empirical fact and should, as much as possible, also be able to predict established empirical fact Interestingness: a theory should make new and useful predictions

Corroboration: the ratio of empirically corroborated to empirically falsified hypotheses should be as high as possible

Accuracy: quantitative predictions made by a theory should fit independently collected empirical data as closely as possible

Parsimony: The theory should be as simple as possible.

Question 8

What is theory?

Answer 8

Theory is an explanatory statement used to help explain and understand relations among variables, how they operate and the processes involved.

Theories determine the relationship between concepts that are carefully defined, ways to measure those concepts and what influences them.

Question 9

Explain how paradigm, concept, construct, and proposition are connected?

Answer 9

Concepts from constructs, constructs form propositions, propositions form theories, and theories from paradigms.

Question 10

How do Theories Affect One’s Choice of Methods?

Answer 10

The theoretical perspective determines the questions the researcher asks and thus influences the methods of collecting and analyzing data that will answer those questions

Question 11

what is the trade-off in theory

Answer 11

Simplicity, Generality, and Accuracy

Question 12

What is deductive research?

Answer 12

Deductive (largely quantitative) research

Theories used for formulating research questions.

Developing hypotheses; interpreting results.

Test existing theory based on data

Question 13

What is inductive research?

Answer 13

Inductive (largely qualitative) research

Build new theory based on data.

Question 14

What are the four main functions of theory?

Answer 14

• Asking the right questions (design phase)
• Developing relevant testable hypotheses
• Analyzing data
• Interpreting results.