Art of Theorizing

This week we exercise our theory-building muscles. We use the Lave and March approach to creating theory.

Come to class ready to present the results of this homework assignment.

In addition, please think about a "beautiful" theory that you have run into and think through what the process part of the theory is -- what's the mechanism. Also, think through whether it is a single theory, or a collection of theories that share certain constructs. Does it have specific mechanisms or is it more of a theoretical playground one can play in? Try to evaluate the theory in terms of the how easily it generates testable implications, and has surprise and parsimony.

Finally, read carefully the paper by Jim March on exploration and exploitation. The beginning of the paper is more important than the end -- make sure you really understand the simulation.

Primary Readings

  • Lave, Charles A., and James G. March. 1993(1975). Introduction to Speculation. Chap. 2 of An Introduction to Models in the Social Sciences. New York: University Press of America. - Chap. 2. [pdf of chap 2&3] [may also want to try google books]

    • Qualities of a good theory [html]

    • Handout on how to theorize [html]

Secondary Readings

  • Mark L. Mitchell & Janina M. Jolley. 2007. Advantages of Using Theory to Generate Ideas [html]

  • Is the theory of evolution circular? Read a creationist's account [html]

Of Possible Interest

    • Davis, Murray. That's interesting. [pdf]

    • Stinchcombe, A. L. (1991). The conditions of fruitfulness of theorizing about mechanisms in social science. Philosophy of the social sciences, 21(3), 367-388. [pdf]

    • Sutton, R. I., & Staw, B. M. (1995). What theory is not. Administrative Science Quarterly, 40(3), 371-384.

    • Whetten, D. A. (1989). What constitutes a theoretical contribution?. Academy of management review, 14(4), 490-495.

    • Middle Range Theory (wikipedia)

    • 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.