WEEK 2- L3.2 research theories

Question 1

what’s a theory?

Answer 1

identifies key concepts and factors and their relationships

Question 2

scope/ level of a theory (2)

Answer 2

grand theory- all encompassing claims difficult to falsify
middle range- try to explain more limited parts of social reality

Question 3

process of theory (way they’re generated)

Answer 3

inductive- theories are the outcome
deductive- theories are the starting point, and tested with empirical observations

Question 4

nature of the rq

Answer 4

empirical- used to test a theory
normative- principles about right/wrong (abstract analysis)

Question 5

grounded theory

Answer 5

inductive and qualitative way of using information to build a theory
- the researcher starts by collecting data, and allow concepts and categories to emerge from them. hypotheses are then developed through the intereactinon of theoretical elements and data. consequently, theory is produced through, and grounded in data.

Question 6

process of grounded theory

Answer 6

1. coding: close (tentative) coding of collected data
2. sorting: compare, sort and synthesize th ecodes
3. memo writing: write memos outlining and describing codes

Question 7

how can theories be used?

Answer 7

apply existing theory to new cases
revise theory and test with old or new cases
identify and define concepts and their relationships

Question 8

hypothesis

Answer 8

a proposed explanation for a phenomenon usually by stating some kind og cause effect r.ship

Question 9

covariance relationship

Answer 9

change at the same time

curved line + arrow at both ends

Question 10

r

reciprocal causal relationships

Answer 10

influence one another

straight line with two arrows

Question 11

what’s the starting point for the democratic peace theory?

Answer 11

an empirical regularity (descriptive and inductive)

Question 12

possible reasons for dpt? 3

Answer 12

1. institutional explanations
   * audience costs, and institutional constraints
2. system level explanations
   * historical context (cold war), geographical proximity, exonomic links, trade
3. decision makers (microfoundations)
   * beliefs, intersts, and leadership styles

Question 13

what’s the aim of grounded theory?

Answer 13

to discover the theory implicit in the data, to allow theory to emerge from the data as opposed to forcing into preconceived frameworks.