Process of theorizing

Theory construction is the process of

formulating and assembling components of
theories into coherent wholes, or the
process of revising and expanding theories
in light of logical, semantic, and empirical
analyses.
Steps in Construction and formulation of
Sociological Theory
The construction and formulation of a
sociological theory is very old but in past,
there was no systematic and organized
method for its formulation and verification.
The theorists were unable to know that
either their theories are valid or invalid but
today there is a standard of verification of
theories. The process of theory
construction occurs in a social situation
and it depends on the environment of the
thinker and his personal preference.
Following are some steps for the
construction of a sociological theory.

Causal Relationship
The first step involved in theory
construction is the causal relationship
between independent and dependent
variables must be explained logically. The
explanation of cause and effect relationship
must contain the elements of universality
and uniformity with reference to time and
place.
Definition of Concepts
Second step is the definition of concepts in
a proposition. These concepts must be
defined and explained clearly which give a
precise and meaningful characteristic.
Relationship between Concepts
There must be a logical relationship
between the well-defined concepts of the
propositions. The concepts should be
explained with logic and reason. These
explanations should be clear from any
confusion or contradiction. The explanation
of the concepts must have a relationship.
Theoretical Concepts
Theoretical concepts are the changing
values or variables while the logical
relationship is consider as hypothesis, and
are subjected to test. This is very, important
component in theory construction because
the validity of sociological theory is based
on the validity of hypothesis to be tested.
Hypothesis Testing
The fifth step in theory construction is the
testing of proposed hypothesis empirically
through scientific research methods the
hypothesis after testing may be true or
wrong but this process is compulsory.
Data Analysis
The collected information’s in figures is
statistical data analysis while the
descriptive information’s are called non-
statistical analysis. Data collection and its
analysis are based on the tested and
verified hypothesis. The analysis of data
gives some findings in favor and some
against the hypothesis.
Generalization
The collected data is interpreted and
generalized to develop a theory. This is very
crucial and critical stage of theory
construction because the findings may be
interpreted in many ways and there is a
danger of miss interpretation of the findings
so, the generalization of the data would be
either in favor or against the theory.
Evaluation of Theory
The last step in theory construction is the
evaluation of theory. Evaluation of theory in
the light of collected facts after
interpretation and generalization. The
theory may be evaluated as true or false,
partially or fully.