The Use of Theory Part 1: Quantitative Methods

1. The Use of TheoryPart 1: Quantitative Methods Produced by the Applied Research Center andthe Alvin Sherman Library Video: 7 min. 15 sec.

2. Qualitative and Quantitative Methods Use of Theory Varies According to Methods • The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods • Quantitative methods: Theories are presented - then tested to explain, predict, or establish causal relations between variables. • Qualitative methods: Theories are presented to serve as a “lens” which then guides what is looked at and how questions are developed. Theories can also be generated as seen in grounded theory approaches.

3. Qualitative and Quantitative Methods Quantitative Methods • The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods • Quantitative methods: Theories are presented - then tested to explain, predict, or establish causal relations between variables. • Qualitative methods: Theories are presented to serve as a “lens” which then guides what is looked at and how questions are developed. Theories can also be generated as seen in grounded theory approaches.

4. Qualitative and Quantitative Methods Qualitative Methods • The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods • Quantitative methods: Theories are presented - then tested to explain, predict, or establish causal relations between variables. • Qualitative methods: Theories are presented to serve as a “lens” which then guides what is looked at and how questions are developed. Theories can also be generated as seen in grounded theory approaches.

5. Theory and the Quantitative Method

6. Quantitative Definition of a Theory • Theory • Interrelated set of constructs formed into propositions that specify the relationships among variables • Describes how and why variables are related • variables = constructs Sometimes referred to as: • Theoretical perspective • Theoretical framework • Conceptual framework – A visual framework of a theoretical perspective/framework

7. Quantitative Perspective or Framework Definition of a Theory • Theory • Interrelated set of constructs formed into propositions that specify the relationships among variables • Describes how and why variables are related • variables = constructs Sometimes referred to as: • Theoretical perspective • Theoretical framework • Conceptual framework – A visual framework of a theoretical perspective/framework

8. Quantitative Conceptual Framework Definition of a Theory • Theory • Interrelated set of constructs formed into propositions that specify the relationships among variables • Describes how and why variables are related • variables = constructs Sometimes referred to as: • Theoretical perspective • Theoretical framework • Conceptual framework – A visual framework of a theoretical perspective/framework

9. Quantitative Independent Variables Variables in Quantitative Methods • Independent • Variables that are inferred to cause outcomes • Factor, program, treatment (variable), predictor (variable), intervention • Dependent • The outcome that depends on the independent variable • Outcome (variable), criterion • Intervening or mediating • Variables that stand between the independent and dependent variables • Moderating • New variables that measure the joint impact of two variables • Confounding • Variables that could also affect the dependent variables, but cannot or will not be measured. Confounding variables can be moderating or intervening variables

10. Quantitative Dependent Variables Variables in Quantitative Methods • Independent • Variables that are inferred to cause outcomes • Factor, program, treatment (variable), predictor (variable), intervention • Dependent • The outcome that depends on the independent variable • Outcome (variable), criterion • Intervening or mediating • Variables that stand between the independent and dependent variables • Moderating • New variables that measure the joint impact of two variables • Confounding • Variables that could also affect the dependent variables, but cannot or will not be measured. Confounding variables can be moderating or intervening variables

11. Quantitative Intervening or Mediating Variables Variables in Quantitative Methods • Independent • Variables that are inferred to cause outcomes • Factor, program, treatment (variable), predictor (variable), intervention • Dependent • The outcome that depends on the independent variable • Outcome (variable), criterion • Intervening or mediating • Variables that stand between the independent and dependent variables • Moderating • New variables that measure the joint impact of two variables • Confounding • Variables that could also affect the dependent variables, but cannot or will not be measured. Confounding variables can be moderating or intervening variables

12. Quantitative Moderating Variables Variables in Quantitative Methods • Independent • Variables that are inferred to cause outcomes • Factor, program, treatment (variable), predictor (variable), intervention • Dependent • The outcome that depends on the independent variable • Outcome (variable), criterion • Intervening or mediating • Variables that stand between the independent and dependent variables • Moderating • New variables that measure the joint impact of two variables • Confounding • Variables that could also affect the dependent variables, but cannot or will not be measured. Confounding variables can be moderating or intervening variables

13. Quantitative Confounding Variables Variables in Quantitative Methods • Independent • Variables that are inferred to cause outcomes • Factor, program, treatment (variable), predictor (variable), intervention • Dependent • The outcome that depends on the independent variable • Outcome (variable), criterion • Intervening or mediating • Variables that stand between the independent and dependent variables • Moderating • New variables that measure the joint impact of two variables • Confounding • Variables that could also affect the dependent variables, but cannot or will not be measured. Confounding variables can be moderating or intervening variables

14. Quantitative Theory Operating as a Bridge Theory

15. Quantitative Social Learning Theory Theory Operating as a Bridge Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1977)

16. Quantitative Examples of Theories • Attribution theory by Heider • The health belief model by Hochbaum et al. • Learning theories • Behavioral perspective • Cognitive perspective • Social Interaction • Instructional approach

17. Quantitative Deductive Technique for the Quantitative Method The theory is introduced. A literature review is developed. Research questions are developed based on the theory (and supported literature). The variables in the research questions are defined and operationalized. Data are collected, analyzed, and interpreted. A discussion is presented to support or refute the theory.

18. Quantitative Deductive Technique for the Quantitative Method Theory Is Introduced The theory is Introduced. \

19. Quantitative Deductive Technique for the Quantitative Method Lit Review Is Developed The theory is Introduced. A literature review is developed.

20. Quantitative Deductive Technique for the Quantitative Method RQs Are Developed The theory is Introduced. A literature review is developed. Research questions are developed based on the theory (and supported literature). \

21. Quantitative Deductive Technique for the Quantitative Method Variables Are Defined The theory is Introduced. A literature review is developed. Research questions are developed based on the theory (and supported literature). The variables in the research questions are defined and operationalized.

22. Quantitative Deductive Technique for the Quantitative Method Data Collected, Analyzed, Interpreted The theory is Introduced. A literature review is developed. Research questions are developed based on the theory (and supported literature). The variables in the research questions are defined and operationalized. Data are collected, analyzed, and interpreted. \

23. Quantitative Deductive Technique for the Quantitative Method Discussion Supports or Refutes Theory The theory is Introduced. A literature review is developed. Research questions are developed based on the theory (and supported literature). The variables in the research questions are defined and operationalized. Data are collected, analyzed, and interpreted. A discussion is presented to support or refute the theory.

24. Quantitative Theory Placement Theory Placement: Introduction

25. Quantitative Theory Placement Placed in Lit Review

26. Quantitative Theory Placement Placed After RQs

27. Quantitative Theory Placement Placed in Separate Section

28. Theories Located in Lit Review Frankenberger, K. D. (2004). Adolescent egocentrism, risk perceptions, and sensation seeking a among smoking and nonsmoking youth. Journal of Adolescent Research, 19(5), 576–590.