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IREL 561: Research Methods
Fall 2013
Week 3
Based largely on Neuman’s Basics of Social Research, Chapter 2
Prepared by
Craig Webster, Ph.D.
What is Theory?
A system of interconnected abstractions or
ideas that condenses and organizes
knowledge about the social world.
2
Parts of Theories
Concepts
– Concept clusters
– Classification Concepts
– Scope
Assumptions
Relationships
3
Aspects of Theory
Direction of Theorizing
– Deductive
Begin with an abstract, logical relationship among concepts,
then move toward concrete empirical evidence.
– Inductive
Begin with detailed observations and move toward more
abstract generalizations and ideas.
Range of Theory
– Empirical Generalization
“more men than women choose engineering as a college
major.”
– Middle-Range Theory
– Theoretical Frameworks
Levels of Theory
– Micro, Meso, and Macro—level theory
4
Forms of Explanation
Prediction and Explanation
Causal Explanation
Structural Explanation
Interpretive Explanation
5
Three Major Approaches
to Social Science
Positivist Approach
Interpretive Approach
Critical Approach
6
Dynamic Duo
Strong link between theory and research
– Theory frames how we look at and think about
a topic
7