Theory Types

Question 1

What is the definition of epistemology?

Answer 1

It is an examination of the processes by which humans can posess knowledge

Question 2

Are all epistemologies the same?

Answer 2

Different episetmologies make different assumptions about the basis of knowledge

Question 3

How do science and social science epistemologies gain knowledge about society?

Answer 3

Through empirical means (sense perceptions) and understanding symbols created by society.

Question 4

What is the epistemology of positivism?

Answer 4

It means seeking knowledge while searching scientific laws.

Question 5

What does it mean to say positivism is a deterministic theory?

Answer 5

It means to understand the natural and social world to control and manipulate it. For example, inventing concrete.

Question 6

What is induction research?

Answer 6

Infers from the particular to the general (abstract)

Question 7

What is deductive research?

Answer 7

Infers from the general to the particular. The approach develops theories by infering on the particular.

Question 8

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 8

A statement that is stated in a way that it can be replicated and tested.

Question 9

What are the characteristics of research design?

Answer 9

Operationalizing of concepts, data collection, and analysis

Question 10

Why can’t we prove or confirm a hypothesis?

Answer 10

The scientific method can only help us move toward objectivity but the data conclusion is not guaranteed as proven.

Question 11

What are the problems with Positivism? Explain.

Answer 11

1: Observation - there is variation among the perceptions and observations of people, which makes the data unreliable.

#2: Categorization - categories are humanly constructed and do not exist naturally (or empirically)
#3: Measurement - Did we accurately measure the concept?

Question 12

What is isomorphism in theory construction?

Answer 12

Assumes that hypothesis and presuppositions are consistent with empirical observations

Question 13

What is the critique associated with positivism in the social sciences relying on quantitative data?

Answer 13

The researcher may not take into account the relevant historical or cultural context, which means they might ignore any relevant variables.

Question 14

Research that assumes regularity/stability are not well suited for most social science research. Why?

Answer 14

Social science research is studied under a short period of time and so you cannot take into account the historical or cultural context, which makes the studies less accurate.

Question 15

What is the definition of interpretative theory?

Answer 15

This theory attempts to explain the shared understanding among humans in a process of symbolic interaction (using gestures and symbols)

Question 16

What is the purpose of gestures?

Answer 16

Gestures are interpreted and that interpretation affects responses and behavior.

Question 17

What is required to develop interpretative explanations for the social phenomena we observe?

Answer 17

1: Developing a theoretical language that is consistent with the phenomena observed.

#2: Understanding the mode of communication within the social unit being examined

Question 18

What does presuppositions mean?

Answer 18

Assumptions

Question 19

What are presuppositions of interpretative theory?

Answer 19

There are no sociological laws, human action is meaningful in terms of social rules, and testing theory requires reference to human practice

Question 20

What does critical theory focus on?

Answer 20

emancipation or the desire to move beyond the current constraints on human behavior

Question 21

What is the relationship between individuals and society that is associated with critical theory?

Answer 21

Critical theory is concerned with the degree to which social structures control our behavior and how to reduce controls over human action.

Question 22

What is the relationship between ideology and critical theory?

Answer 22

Before trying to reduce human behavior constraints, you (self-conscious) must reflect on moving beyond the current limits of human thoughts.

Question 23

What is the presupposition (assumption) of critical theory?

Answer 23

Critical theory assumes that a higher degree of freedom is possible, which can only be achieve by changing the social structure.

Question 24

What is the definition of casuality of fate?

Answer 24

It is the casuality that we subject ourselves to, which means we have no control over our own fates.

Question 25

When does the casuality of fate occur?

Answer 25

when we accept the ideology and the social structure in its current form. It is often the outcome of reification.

Question 26

What is the definition of reification?

Answer 26

When people assume something was created by something other than humans when in fact it was created by humans

Question 27

What are the presuppositions of casuality of fate?

Answer 27

Society/social structure always places constraints on individuals

Question 28

What is the goal of critical theory?

Answer 28

the goal of critical theory is to create a society/social structure that is less constraining