Session 01: Two Modes of Thought: Variance and Process Models

Topics

Do you want to study how or why something happens?

1. Variance (causal) and process (narrative) reasoning

2. Assumptions of variance and process theorizing

Video Clips

• Variance and Process Model

• Two Views of Reality

Reading

• Engaged Scholarship, Chapter 5

• Supplementary Readings:

  • Bruner, Two Modes of Thought, Ch. 2 in Actual Minds, Possible Worlds, 1986.

  • Mohr, Variance and Process Theories in Explaining Organizational Behavior, 1982.

Notes

• Class slides on variance and process theorizing.

Assignment

• • Review this worksheet to design a variance and a process study. Bring it to class for discussion.

  • Complete this exercise on variance and process research questions

Submit your questions/comments about video lectures and readings for Session 1 on Research Models