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Theories in Scientific Research (Building Blocks of a Theory (constructs;…
Theories in Scientific Research
What is a theory? A scientific theory of constructs and propositions that collectively presents a logical, systematic, and coherent explanation of a phenomenon of interest within some assumption. Theories should explain why things happen, rather than just describe or predict.
Building Blocks of a Theory
constructs;
captures the "what" of theories (i.e., what concepts are important for explaining a phenomenon)
Variables
: measurable representations of abstract constructs. For example, IQ score is a variable that measures an abstract construct called intelligence
propositions
; captures the "how" (i.e., how are these concepts related to each other)
logic;
represents the "why" (i.e. why are these concepts related)
boundary conditions/assumptions
; examines the "who, when, and where" (i.e. under what circumstances will these concepts and relationships work).
Attributes of a Good Theory
Logical consistency
; Are the theoretical constructs, propositions, boundary conditions, and assumptions logically consistent with each other.
Explanatory power
; good theories explain the target phenomenon
Falsifiability
; ensures that the theory is potentially disprovable
Parsimony
; examines how much of a phenomenon is explained with how few variables
Approaches to Theorizing
grounded theory building
; grounded in empirical observations. Heavily dependent on the observational and interpretive abilities of the reseacher
Conduct a
bottom-up conceptual analysis
to identify different sets of predictors relevant to the phenomenon.
extend or modify existing theories
to explain a new context. "deductive approach"
applying existing theories in entirely new context
s by drawing upon the structural similarities between the two contexts.
Examples of Social Science Theories :
Agency Theory
; the two parties are the principal and the agent; the principal employs the agent to perform certain tasks on its behalf. Agent's goal may be working at its own pace and seeking self-interest. Recommends using outcome-based contracts/incentives.
Theory of Planned Behavior
; a theory of human behavior used to study a wide range of individual behaviors. Represents conscious reasoned choice and shaped by cognitive thinking and social pressure
Innovation diffusion theory;
explains how innovations are adopted within a population of potential adopters. Key elements include: innovation, communication channels, time and social system. May include new technologies, new practices, or new ideas; adopters may be individuals or organizations.
Elaboration Likelihood Model
; explains how individuals can be influenced to change their attitude toward a certain object, events, or behavior and the relative efficacy of such change strategies.
General Deterrence Theory
; holds that people are fundamentally rational and that they freely choose deviant behaviors based on a rational cost-benefit calculation. Swiftness, severity, and certainty of punishments are the key constructs.
Explanations can be idiographic or nomothetic. Idiographic explanations explain a single situation or event. Ex. You did poorly on an exam because you forgot had an exam.
Nomothetic explanations seeks to explain a class of situations or events rather than a specific situation or event. For example, students who do poorly in exams do so because they did not spend adequate time preparing for exams.
Theory is not data, facts, typologies taxonomies, or empirical findings
Theories have their own share of limitations. May not always provide adequate explanations; may impose binders or limit researchers "range of vision"