Chapter 4: Role of Theory

Question 1

What is theory?

Answer 1

A set of interrelated concepts, definitions, or propositions that specify relationships among variables and represent a systematic view of specific phenomena.
Allows us to speculate on how and why things work.

Question 2

Theory is used to…

Answer 2

generalize beyond a specific situation and to make predictions about what should happen in other similar situations

Question 3

What are the purposes of theories?

Answer 3

• Summarize existing knowledge to explain observable events
• Allow us to predict what should occur
• Stimulate development of new knowledge by providing motivation and guidance
• Provide a basis for asking a question in applied research

Question 4

Essential building blocks of a theory are…

Answer 4

Concepts

Question 5

What are constructs?

Answer 5

Concepts that represent nonobservable behaviors or events are called constructs.
Constructs are invented names for abstract variables that cannot be seen directly, also called latent variables.
Most constructs must be defined as a function of many interrelated concepts.

Question 6

What are propositions?

Answer 6

Once the concepts that relate to a theory are delineated, they are formed into a generalized statement, or proposition.
Propositions assert the theoretical linkages between concepts, which can then be tested.
Hypotheses are derived from these statements to describe or predict relationships.
This will provide the foundation for testing the theory.

Question 7

What are models?

Answer 7

Models are considered simplified approximations of reality. They leave out much of the detail but describe the conceptual structure closely enough to give us a better understanding of the phenomenon.
Where a theory is an explanation of phenomena, a model is a structural representation of the specific concepts that comprise that theory.

Question 8

What are some types of models?

Answer 8

Types of models include physical models, process models, and quantitative models.

Question 9

What is a physical model?

Answer 9

Physical models are used to demonstrate how the real behavior might occur.

Question 10

What is a process model?

Answer 10

Process models provides a guide for progressing through a course of action.

Question 11

What is a quantitative model?

Answer 11

A quantitative model is used to describe the relationship among variables by using numerical representations.

Question 12

How is deductive reasoning characterized?

Answer 12

Deductive reasoning is characterized by the acceptance of a general proposition, or premise, and the subsequent inferences that can be drawn in specific cases.

Question 13

What is deductive reasoning?

Answer 13

Intuitive
Going from broad to specific

Question 14

Inductive reasoning reflects…

Answer 14

Inductive reasoning reflects the reverse type of logic, developing generalizations from specific observations. It begins with experience and results in conclusions or generalizations that are probably true.

Question 15

What is inductive reasoning?

Answer 15

Searching for patterns
Going from specific to broad

Question 16

How do we test theories?

Answer 16

Hypotheses are tested to demonstrate whether the theory will hold true in certain circumstances.

Question 17

How is the validity of a theory derived?

Answer 17

The validity of a theory is derived through the empirical testing of hypotheses that are deduced from it and from observation of the phenomenon the theory describes.

Question 18

What are the characteristics of theory?

Answer 18

• Rational: provide a reasonable explanation of observed facts that makes sense given current knowledge and beliefs
• Testable: provide a basis for classifying relevant variables and predicting their relationships
• Economical: efficient explanation of the phenomenon, using concepts that are relevant and necessary
• Relevant: judged as significant by those who will use it
• Adaptable: consistent with observed facts and the already established body of knowledge but must also be able to adapt to changes in that knowledge as technology and scientific evidence improve

Question 19

How do you apply theory in research?

Answer 19

Results of studies can be used to build theories (inductive).
Theories can be used to develop hypotheses for testing in studies (deductive).
*Implicit and explicit relationship to research questions.

Question 20

How do you apply theory in practice?

Answer 20

Theories guide clinical decisions.
Treatment outcomes can support theories.

Question 21

What is a middle-range theory?

Answer 21

Middle-range theories sit between the basic hypotheses that guide everyday practice and the systematic efforts to develop a unified theory to explain a set of social behaviors. They form the bridge of theory with empirical observations.

Question 22

What is a grand theory?

Answer 22

A grand theory is a comprehensive idea that tries to explain phenomena at the societal level. As a highly abstract approach, this type of theory has broad application.

Question 23

What is the concept of meta-theory?

Answer 23

The concept of meta-theory has been used to reflect theories that attempt to reconcile several theoretical perspectives in the explanation of sociological, psychological, and physiological phenomena.

Question 24

When a theory reaches the level of absolute consistency in outcomes, it turns into…

Answer 24

a law

Question 25

What are laws?

Answer 25

Laws are derived when theories reach a level of absolute consistency; mostly observed in physical science.
Laws allow precise predictions.