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Functions of Theory

Functions of Theory. 1. Organizing & summarizing phenomena. 2. Focus attention on important variables and relationships. 3. Clarifying terms (Definitions) and relationships (Propositions). 4. Guides observations (Tells us what counts as a valid measure).

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Functions of Theory

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  1. Functions of Theory 1. Organizing & summarizing phenomena 2. Focus attention on important variables and relationships 3. Clarifying terms (Definitions) and relationships (Propositions) 4. Guides observations (Tells us what counts as a valid measure) 5. Gives grounds for prediction (as opposed to forecast) 6. Has heuristic value (unique insights and new ways of thinking) 7. Helps us to communicate about the phenomena 8. Gives control over our world

  2. Evaluation of theories 1. Unique Scope Given two theories that are equal in other respects, the one with the greater scope (number and variety of conditions and data points covered) not covered by preexisting theory is the better theory.

  3. Evaluation of theories 2. Appropriateness Is the theory consistent with conceptual and metatheoretical assumptions (primitives)? (For example, attempting the write a "behaviorist theory of the social relevance of compliance norms" would represent an inconsistency with the behaviorist assumptions about cognitive events.)

  4. Evaluation of theories 3. Heuristic value Given two theories that are equal in other respects, the one with the greater heuristic value (offering unique insights that stimulate new ways of thinking and doing research) is the better theory.

  5. Evaluation of theories 4. Validity Conceptual clarity -- Are terms and relationships between terms unambiguous and specific? • Internal consistency -- Are propositions clearly linked in a logical structure? • Testable/falsifiable -- What would count as falsification of the theory is discernable. • Empirical strength -- Does the theory accurately predict more instances of a phenomenon than a rival theory? • Empirical adequacy -- Does the theory cover enough instances of the phenomena being studied?

  6. Evaluation of theories 5. Parsimony Given two theories that are equal in other respects, the one with the greater parsimony (simplicity and directness) is the better theory. A non-parsimonious theory is one that is overly complex in terms of relationships and number of constructions required.

  7. Sound Inquiry Unsound Inquiry Builds theory Loose off-hand; Superstitions; Rumors; Prejudices Systematic tests Selective tests and observations Tests rival hypotheses Laughs away rival hypotheses Meticulous observations and records No control; No respect for other's work ; Ignores other evidence Cautious tests consistent with theory Illicit conversions of cause and effects; Spurious causes Avoidance of untestable ideas Acceptance of untestable ides.

  8. How theories change Growth by extension to broader domain Growth by increasing depth and precision Ad hoc modification Serendipity Revolution .

  9. Theory Change by Revolution "Problem" arises that can't be answered. Counter "paradigm" of the theory is proposed along with "new and improved" methods. New "paradigm" is adopted by scholarly community. (Note: With such "revolutions" the theory may never change names but, nonetheless, is not the same theory.)

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