Topic 3: Theory Building Flashcards
1
Q
What is theory?
In a research context?
A
- A formal, testable explanation of how different events/concepts relate to each other.
- Can include predictions of how other similar concepts would relate to each other
2
Q
What are the goals of theory?
A
- To understand relationships between phenomena and why variables behave the way they do
- To predict how variables will interact with each other
3
Q
What are constructs/concepts?
A
- A generalized idea about a class of objects, occurences, processes etc.
- Abstracts reality (describes real-world events in words/abstract world)
- building blocks of theory
4
Q
What is a proposition?
A
- A proposed relationship/linkage between abstract concepts in the abstract world
5
Q
What is a hypothesis?
A
- A guess
- A formal proposition statement that is testable in the real world(empirically)
6
Q
Abstract vs Empirical world?
A
Abstract world makes use of concepts and propositions
Empirical world is the real world, including measurable data and statistics.
7
Q
7 steps of the Scientific method of theory
A
- Assessment of relevent existing knowledge on phenomenon
- Formulation of concepts & propositions
- Statement of hypotheses
- Design of research method to test hypotheses
- Aquisition of meaningful empirical data
- Analysis and evaluation of data
- Proposal of an explanation of the phenomenon and statement of new problems raised by research
