Theory Types Flashcards
What is the definition of epistemology?
It is an examination of the processes by which humans can posess knowledge
Are all epistemologies the same?
Different episetmologies make different assumptions about the basis of knowledge
How do science and social science epistemologies gain knowledge about society?
Through empirical means (sense perceptions) and understanding symbols created by society.
What is the epistemology of positivism?
It means seeking knowledge while searching scientific laws.
What does it mean to say positivism is a deterministic theory?
It means to understand the natural and social world to control and manipulate it. For example, inventing concrete.
What is induction research?
Infers from the particular to the general (abstract)
What is deductive research?
Infers from the general to the particular. The approach develops theories by infering on the particular.
What is a hypothesis?
A statement that is stated in a way that it can be replicated and tested.
What are the characteristics of research design?
Operationalizing of concepts, data collection, and analysis
Why can’t we prove or confirm a hypothesis?
The scientific method can only help us move toward objectivity but the data conclusion is not guaranteed as proven.
What are the problems with Positivism? Explain.
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?
What is isomorphism in theory construction?
Assumes that hypothesis and presuppositions are consistent with empirical observations
What is the critique associated with positivism in the social sciences relying on quantitative data?
The researcher may not take into account the relevant historical or cultural context, which means they might ignore any relevant variables.
Research that assumes regularity/stability are not well suited for most social science research. Why?
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.
What is the definition of interpretative theory?
This theory attempts to explain the shared understanding among humans in a process of symbolic interaction (using gestures and symbols)
What is the purpose of gestures?
Gestures are interpreted and that interpretation affects responses and behavior.
What is required to develop interpretative explanations for the social phenomena we observe?
1: Developing a theoretical language that is consistent with the phenomena observed.
#2: Understanding the mode of communication within the social unit being examined
What does presuppositions mean?
Assumptions
What are presuppositions of interpretative theory?
There are no sociological laws, human action is meaningful in terms of social rules, and testing theory requires reference to human practice
What does critical theory focus on?
emancipation or the desire to move beyond the current constraints on human behavior
What is the relationship between individuals and society that is associated with critical theory?
Critical theory is concerned with the degree to which social structures control our behavior and how to reduce controls over human action.
What is the relationship between ideology and critical theory?
Before trying to reduce human behavior constraints, you (self-conscious) must reflect on moving beyond the current limits of human thoughts.
What is the presupposition (assumption) of critical theory?
Critical theory assumes that a higher degree of freedom is possible, which can only be achieve by changing the social structure.
What is the definition of casuality of fate?
It is the casuality that we subject ourselves to, which means we have no control over our own fates.
When does the casuality of fate occur?
when we accept the ideology and the social structure in its current form. It is often the outcome of reification.
What is the definition of reification?
When people assume something was created by something other than humans when in fact it was created by humans
What are the presuppositions of casuality of fate?
Society/social structure always places constraints on individuals
What is the goal of critical theory?
the goal of critical theory is to create a society/social structure that is less constraining
