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Primer in Theory Construction: An A&B Classics Edition

by: Davidson Reynolds; Paul

Primer in Theory Construction: An A&B Classics Edition

by: Davidson Reynolds; Paul

ISBN 13:
9780205501281
ISBN 10:
0205501281
Edition: 1st
Format: Nonspecific Binding
Copyright: 04/26/2006
Publisher: Routledge

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Summary

This brief text for students in the social and behavioral sciences provides a formal introduction to the way theories are constucted, stated, tested, and connected together to form a scientific body of knowledge.

Preface

Acknowledgments

xiii

Introduction

(18)

For What Should Scientific Knowledge Be Useful?

(6)

Typologies

(1)

Prediction and Explanation

(2)

Sense of Understanding

(2)

Control

(1)

Theory

(2)

How Does a Concept or Statement Become Part of a Scientific Body of Knowledge?

(2)

Desirable Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge

(5)

Abstractness

(2)

Intersubjectivity (Meaning)

(1)

Intersubjectivity (Logical Rigor)

(2)

Empirical Relevance

(1)

Summary and Conclusion

(2)

The Idea

(26)

Kuhn Paradigms

(5)

Example: Freud's Theory of Personality

(3)

Paradigms

(7)

Examples: Heider's Balance Theory

(2)

Two Conceptions of Status Structures: Elitist and Pluralistic

(4)

Paradigm Variations

(10)

Examples: Variations on the Freudian Conception of Personality

(3)

Variations on Heider's Balance Theory

(7)

Identifying Paradigms

(1)

Conclusion

(2)

Concepts

(22)

Definition of Concepts

(3)

Abstract vs. Concrete Concepts

(3)

Concept Measurement

(5)

Quantification of Concepts

(8)

The Nominal Level

(1)

The Ordinal Level

(1)

The Interval Level

(2)

The Ratio Level

(1)

General Comments on Quantification

(2)

Summary and Conclusion

(2)

Statements

(16)

Existence Statements

(2)

Relational Statements

(7)

Associational Statements

(1)

Causal Statements

(3)

Deterministic and Probabilistic Statements

(2)

Levels of Abstraction

(1)

Theoretical Statements

(1)

Relation of Theoretical Statements to Theory

(2)

Relationship between Theoretical Statements and Empirical Data

(2)

Summary

(1)

Forms of Theories

(34)

The Set-of-Laws Form

(10)

Examples: The Iron Law of Oligarchy

(1)

The Laws of Operant Behavior

(3)

The Exercise of Influence in Small Groups

(5)

The Axiomatic Form

(5)

Example: The Exercise of Influence in Small Groups

(4)

The Causal Process Form

(11)

Examples: The Effect of First Impressions on Cognitions

(1)

Creation of Oligarchies

100

(2)

Operant Behavior, Law II

102

(2)

The Exercise of Influence in Small Groups

104

(1)

Status Incongruence and Mental Health

105

(4)

Evaluation of the Three Forms of Theory

109

(4)

Simulation or Model Building

113

(3)

Summary

116

(1)

Testing Theories

117

(24)

Abstract Statements and Concrete Research

117

(2)

Empirical Research and Confidence in Abstract Statements

119

(3)

Statistical Decision Procedures

122

(10)

Classical Statistical Inference

123

(7)

Should the Hypothesis Be Presented before the Data Are Examined?

130

(2)

Changing Confidence in Theories

132

(2)

Comparing Theories

134

(5)

Conclusion

139

(2)

Strategies for Developing a Scientific Body of Knowledge

141

(22)

Research-Then-Theory

142

(4)

Theory-Then-Research

146

(2)

Comparison of Strategies

148

(6)

How to Get a New Idea

154

(2)

Composite Approach

156

(3)

Research Methods

159

(2)

Conclusion

161

(2)

Conclusion

163

(8)

Potential for a Social Science

165

(6)

APPENDIX: STUDENT EXERCISES

171

(6)

Comments

171

(1)

Assignment I: Empirical Generalization and Empirical Support

172

(1)

Assignment II: Explanation of an Empirical Generalization

173

(1)

Assignment III: Testing a Theory

174

(1)

Assignment IV: Application of Theories to Natural Phenomena

175

(2)

References

177

(6)

Author Index

183

(2)

Subject Index

185

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

Primer in Theory Construction: An A&B Classics Edition

Primer in Theory Construction: An A&B Classics Edition

9780205501281

0205501281

Summary

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Write a Review

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

Primer in Theory Construction: An A&B Classics Edition

Primer in Theory Construction: An A&B Classics Edition

9780205501281

0205501281

Summary

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Write a Review

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