Role of Theory in Research

Definitions I found: A system of interconnected abstractions or ideas that condenses and organizes knowledge about the world. In a general sense, any more or less formalized conceptualization of the relationship between variables. Any generalized explanatory principle. An always tentative explanation of phenomena that we observe; never proven; representative of the most logical explanation based on currently available evidence; becomes stronger as more supporting evidence is gathered; provides a context for predictions.

A tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena; "a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory A theory is more than just an idea. All theories are not equal. Examples of theories:
Theory of gravity Theory that the earth revolves around the sun Theory of evolution Frustration-aggression theory

Hypothesis is an educated guess. A prediction about the relationship between two or more variables. A prediction as to what you expect to find. Hypotheses are more specific than theories. Theories have many different hypotheses. Results of a single research study will not prove or disprove a theory.
If the hypotheses offered by the theory are confirmed, the theory is supported (not proved). If lots of studies reveal that many of the hypotheses generated by the theory are false, the theory must be reevaluated.

1. Falsifiability - The theory must make sufficiently precise predictions that we can at least imagine evidence that would contradict the theory. Examples: Frustration-aggression theory Freuds theory of repression. Theory of psychic ability If something is not falsifiable, it doesnt mean it is wrong, simply that it has no place in science.

2. Parsimony simplicity The best theory is the one that makes the fewest number of assumptions All things being equal, the simplest theory is the best theory. Also known as Ockhams razor The simplest of two or more competing theories is preferable and the unknown should first be explained in terms of the known E.g., theories of intelligence Theories of UFOs Magic acts Warning: simple theories are not always right.

3. Generativity - A good theory doesnt just explain results that have been found, but it also generates predictions that can be tested Research is promoted by the offering of a good theory. E.g., frustration-aggression little evidence for the theory initially, but it generated a lot.

4. Precision the theory makes precise predictions. Ambiguity is bad for a theory. Predictions must have consistency: there cannot be internal contradictions. 5. Good track record the theory holds up to research results. Studies have tested the hypotheses and have provided support.

Theory guides research

Organizes ideas All research has a purpose

Paradigms
Sociology, history, and political science, especially. A model or framework for observation and understanding, which shapes both what we see and how we understand it. E.g., conflict theory, feminist theory

Theories can be categorized by:

The direction of reasoning The level of explanation

Inductive vs. deductive reasoning Deductive reasoning reasoning from the general to the particular Process of concluding that something must be true because it is a special case of a general principle that is known to be true
All children like ice-cream [general principle] Tommy is a child [particular case] Tommy will like ice-cream [deduction]

Examples.

Inductive reasoning reasoning from the particular to the general Process of reasoning that a general principle is true because the special cases you've seen are true Example:
Dr. Boughner is strange Dr. Boughner lives in Tulsa People who live in Tulsa are strange

More examples Creation and use of stereotypes

Applying these types of reasoning to theory construction. Deductive approach build a theory by starting with an abstract, logical idea. Based on the theory, perform research to test the theory.
Often starts with common sense, personal experience Theories change with testing

Inductive approach build a theory by first looking at the results of many research projects and offering a theory that can be used to explain the data.
Creating a theory in order to explain data.

Examples: Frustration-aggression theory very little evidence existed in 1939. Deductive reasoning. Thorndikes law of effect

any behavior that is followed by favorable consequences will be more likely to occur in the future, and behavior that is followed by aversive consequences will be less likely to occur.

Thorndike built the law after years of research. Inductive reasoning.

Grounded theory
Full use of induction

Typically, both induction and deduction are used by scientists. Good theories probably use a little of both.

Gould and Lewontin (1979) - The spandrels of San Marco and the Panglossian paradigm Elephants trunk, giraffes neck Stay away from just-so stories. Just because it fits the data does not mean it is right. The main problem with just-so stories lack of falsifiability.

Levels of explanation are different throughout science

E.g., chemistry vs. physics vs. psychology vs. sociology

Theory can be used at various levels of explanation. In the social sciences, three levels of explanation for theory.

Micro-level theory seeks to explain behavior at the level of the individual or family environment Most of psychology is at the micro level Examples:
Frustration-aggression hypothesis Sternbergs theory of love

Macro-level theory seeks to explain behavior at the level of large groups of people. Study things like ethnicity, class, or gender Example:
Conflict theory the society or organization functions so that each individual participant and its groups struggle to maximize their benefits, which inevitably contributes to social change such as changes in politics and revolutions. Evolution

Much of sociology is at the macro level The primary difference between psychology and sociology is the level of explanation.

Meso-level theory seeks to explain the interactions of micro-level organisms.

Somewhat between micro and macro.

Looks at things like social institutions, organizations, or communities. Basically small groups.
Ex. What role should Psychology Club serve at RSU?

Much of communications functions at the mesolevel, though also micro and macro. Social psychology also may function at the mesolevel.

Many times the same topic can be studied by all 3 levels of theory. E.g., Tax cuts