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"Nothing is so practical as a good theory." (Kurt Lewin). This week we examine what a theory is, along with related concepts of models, hypotheses, propositions and assumptions. We look at the characteristics of good theories, and the role of theory in shaping research design.
We also exercise our theory-building muscles. We use the Lave and March approach to creating theory.
Come to class ready to present the results of these two homework assignments:
competing theories (email me this one)
Both of these should be executed individually (i.e., don't work in teams).
Other topics I will bring up:
formal theory
deductive and inductive processes
the variance and process model distinction
Student Responses to Theorizing Exercises
Primary Readings
Lave, Charles A., and James G. March. 1993(1975). An Introduction to Models in the Social Sciences. New York: University Press of America. [pdf of chap 2&3] [better version] [may also want to try google books]
Qualities of a good theory [html]
Handout on how to theorize [html]
Sutton, R. I., & Staw, B. M. (1995). What theory is not. Administrative Science Quarterly, 40(3), 371-384. [pdf] (S&S really nail this one)
Mark L. Mitchell & Janina M. Jolley. 2007. Advantages of Using Theory to Generate Ideas [html]
Of possible interest
Festinger, L., & Carlsmith, J. M. (1959). Cognitive consequences of forced compliance. The Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 58(2), 203. [html]. This paper derives a non-obvious implication of cognitive dissonance theory and then does a nice experimental test.
Is the theory of evolution circular? Read a creationist's account [html]
Each card has a number on one side, and a patch of color on the other. Which card(s) must be turned over to test the idea that if a card shows an even number on one face, then its opposite face is red?
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