theory and research dr. guerette. from description to explanation traditional model of science:...

Theory and Theory and ResearchResearch

Dr. GueretteDr. Guerette

From Description to From Description to ExplanationExplanation

Traditional model of Science: Three Traditional model of Science: Three ElementsElements Theory: is a world view that consists of Theory: is a world view that consists of

systematic explanations of facts and laws systematic explanations of facts and laws that relate to specific phenomena.that relate to specific phenomena.

Operationalization: specific steps and Operationalization: specific steps and procedures to measure variables that are procedures to measure variables that are derived from theories.derived from theories.

Observation: involves looking at the world Observation: involves looking at the world and measuring what we see. Can take place and measuring what we see. Can take place in different ways.in different ways.

From Description to From Description to Explanation Explanation

Two logical systemsTwo logical systems Deductive logic: Deductive logic:

occurs when one begins from a general occurs when one begins from a general theoretical perspective and derives theoretical perspective and derives relationships that can be empirically relationships that can be empirically tested.tested.

Inductive logic:Inductive logic: Occurs when numerous observations are Occurs when numerous observations are

made and they are categorized. These made and they are categorized. These categories are then examined for patterns categories are then examined for patterns in order to construct theory.in order to construct theory.

Deductive vs. Inductive Deductive vs. Inductive LogicLogicTHEORY

OBSERVATION

DEDUCTIVEINDUCTIVE

Terms used in Theory Terms used in Theory ConstructionConstruction

Concepts:Concepts: Abstract elements that represent Abstract elements that represent

phenomena within a specific field of phenomena within a specific field of study such as the concept of “violent study such as the concept of “violent offender” in CJ studies.offender” in CJ studies.

Variables:Variables: Empirical elements that can be Empirical elements that can be

observed and measured. While concepts observed and measured. While concepts are abstract, variables are concrete.are abstract, variables are concrete.


Statements:Statements: There are various types of statements.There are various types of statements.

Principles (aka laws) are regularities.Principles (aka laws) are regularities. Axioms are assertions taken as truth.Axioms are assertions taken as truth. PropositionsPropositions are conclusions drawn about are conclusions drawn about

the relationship between concepts based the relationship between concepts based upon the assumptions of reality.upon the assumptions of reality.


Objectivity and subjectivityObjectivity and subjectivity Objectivity suggests an independence of Objectivity suggests an independence of

thought that is not swayed by bias. thought that is not swayed by bias. Subjectivity suggests opinions that are Subjectivity suggests opinions that are

able to vary based on preference.able to vary based on preference.


Intersubjective aggreement:Intersubjective aggreement: Researchers substitute this for Researchers substitute this for

objectivity since total objectivity is not objectivity since total objectivity is not possible.possible.

Hypotheses:Hypotheses: A hypothesis is what is expected to A hypothesis is what is expected to

occur based upon the propositions occur based upon the propositions derived from a theory.derived from a theory.


Paradigm:Paradigm: A paradigm is a fundamental model that A paradigm is a fundamental model that

allows us to organize the way that we allows us to organize the way that we view something. A paradigm is view something. A paradigm is considered broader in nature than a considered broader in nature than a theory. The social scientist begins with theory. The social scientist begins with a view of the world and that view colors a view of the world and that view colors the way that we see social phenomena.the way that we see social phenomena.

PARADIGM

THEORY

CONCEPTS

PROPOSITIONS

HYPOTHESIS

OBSERVATION

THEORYTHEORY CONCEPTSCONCEPTS PROPOSITIONSPROPOSITIONS HYPOTHESESHYPOTHESES

Rational Rational ChoiceChoice

EffortEffort

RiskRisk

RewardReward

1. As effort 1. As effort needed increases needed increases odds of crime will odds of crime will decrease.decrease.

2. As risk 2. As risk increases odds of increases odds of crime decrease.crime decrease.

3. As reward 3. As reward decreases odds of decreases odds of crime also crime also decrease.decrease.

1. Locations that 1. Locations that are heavily are heavily fortified will have fortified will have lower rates of lower rates of crime.crime.

2. Locations that 2. Locations that are highly visible are highly visible to others will to others will experience fewer experience fewer crimes.crimes.

3. Locations that 3. Locations that have few valuables have few valuables will have lower will have lower rates of robbery.rates of robbery.

Theory Research & Theory Research & Public PolicyPublic Policy

Theory guides basic research, the results Theory guides basic research, the results which may impact specific policy which may impact specific policy applications.applications.

Hypotheses are used to create “if then” Hypotheses are used to create “if then” statements to measure the impact of a statements to measure the impact of a program through its evaluation.program through its evaluation.

Ecological theories of crime and its Ecological theories of crime and its prevention examine environmental prevention examine environmental impact upon crime behavior and how impact upon crime behavior and how prevention policy is effected.prevention policy is effected.

ExerciseExercise You have been asked by a concerned You have been asked by a concerned

governmental agency to examine the governmental agency to examine the relationship between childhood neglect (e.g. relationship between childhood neglect (e.g. failure to provide adequate food, shelter, failure to provide adequate food, shelter, and/or medical care to a child) and use of and/or medical care to a child) and use of illicit drugs by victims of neglect. Identify the illicit drugs by victims of neglect. Identify the independent and dependent variables in this independent and dependent variables in this example and describe possible attributes of example and describe possible attributes of each.each.

Given this project, the hypothesis is that Given this project, the hypothesis is that people who are victims of childhood neglect people who are victims of childhood neglect will be more likely than non-victims to use will be more likely than non-victims to use illicit drugs as adults.illicit drugs as adults. 1. Describe how you could examine this 1. Describe how you could examine this

relationship using inductive logic.relationship using inductive logic. 2. Describe how you could examine the same 2. Describe how you could examine the same

relationship using deductive logic.relationship using deductive logic.

theory and research dr. guerette. from description to explanation traditional model of science:...

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