Social Science & Theory Flashcards
Theory
Collection of concepts and rules that express simplified relationships between phenomena.
Make explanations of how phenomena relate to another relationship
What makes up a theory?
- Assumptions
- Hypotheses
- Variables
Dependent Variable
Outcome
Something we hope to explain
Independent Variable
Cause
Something that will provide all or part of explanation of the different values of DV
Assumptions
Simplifying conditions under which a theory is expected to hold truth (Simplify Reality)
Theory Validity
A theory’s validity depends on the logical coherence of its assumptions.
Assumptions Validity
Assumptions are evaluated based on their internal consistency and their value is assessed through empirical testing
Hypothesis
Relationship between IV and DV implications drawn from a theory’s logic
Attributes of a Good Theory
- Logical Consistency
- Accuracy
- Falsiability
- Parsimony
- Non-Spurious
Logical Consistency
Assumptions don’t contradict each other.
Predictions follow logically from assumptions
Accuracy
How well theories explain observed patterns between variables
Falsiability
No theory can ever be true, must be able to state observations that prove wrong (Fail some empirical test)
Parsimony
Explain lots of events and facts in a limited set of assumptions
Non-Spurious
IV has casual relationship with DV
Necessary Condition
Condition must be present for an event (Necessary for conclusion to be true) but not enough themselves to make conclusion true
