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A good thesis but under-theorised

Explore the significance of theory in academic research and its impact on the quality of a thesis. Learn about key questions related to social theory and the role it plays in different disciplines. Join a discussion on theories, interdisciplinarity, and the incorporation of theory in research methodologies.

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A good thesis but under-theorised

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  1. A good thesis but under-theorised Michael Hammond, Harbir Bal, Siobhan Dytham, Heather Griffiths

  2. Today . • Report back on our project on social theory • Key questions asked about social theory • Plenary on social theory

  3. Plan for the day 10 – 10.30 Key themes from our project 10.45 – 12.00 Exploring the key themes 1 – 2 Jig saw reporting 2-3 Plenary Panel

  4. So what is theory? An attempt to explain, to connect, to abstract It might include: Establishing a phenomena (e.g. social loss) Establishing cause and effect (social development and to Twitter) Concept clarification (link to community) The process of social research (example of practice research)

  5. The case for theory Otherwise ‘mere’ description or association Inevitable – theorise when we describe Link with discipline history Capacity for interdisciplinarity

  6. So what is the problem? Theory means very different things Which theories should you pay attention to? Over theorisation (or relationship to the data?) Truth or lens? (Activity theory example)

  7. So what is the problem? Predictive or illuminating? Small or grand or something in between? Bottom up or top down? (inductive or deductive) Inevitable distortion Are we expected to test theory, adapt or provide new theory?

  8. A good thesis but under-theorised Does not help anyone at all To avoid it you need to say: What theory means for you How you have used theory How you have theorised.. Your contribution to theory

  9. Six key questions 1. What is theory to you and to the tradition you are working in? 2. When does theory come into your methodology?  3. Is theory and theorising all is it cracked up to be? 4. What do you need to be a good theorist? 5. Theories and Interdisciplinarity 6. Where does theory come into your thesis?

  10. Please take part in one of these groups – you will reform into jigsaw groups so don’t rely on one person to report back!

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