This is Walden University course (DPSY-6112 ) week 2 assignment: The research theory cycle. It is formatted in APA, has been graded (A), and includes references. Most universities submit higher-education assignments to turnitin; so, remember to paraphrase. Enjoy your discovery!

1. Running head: HAYNESODPSY 8111 DPSY 6112 1
Week 2: The Research-Theory Cycle
Newman and Newman (2016) noted that formal scientific theories (Ts) are
interconnected concepts, statements, or ideals grounded in systematic research. Components
include domains (e.g., the problem or the research subject), constructs (non-observable such as
metacognition), and hypotheses. Ts explain “why” and “how” phenomena occur. The concept
of metacognition, for example, first appeared in cognitive and developmental sciences literature
(Brown, 1978; Flavell, 1979).
John H. Flavell, an American Developmental Psychologist, coined the term
“metacognition,” which refers to “cognition about cognition” or “thinking about thinking”
(Flavell, 1979, p. 906). He explained that awareness and knowledge about metacognition enable
the development of metacognition skills and cognitive abilities. Based on Bandura’s theory of
moral disengagement and aggressive behaviors (MDAB) in adults, Gini, Pozzoli, and Hymel’s
theory (2014) expanded the literature. They discovered that no meta-analysis ,within the subject
area, had been done about children and adolescents, especially data about underlying constructs
that could account for test results; therefore, in 2014, they published the first synthesis of the
research.
To measure MDAB in adults, Bandura et al. (1996) developed a self-report scale (32
items); however, Gini, Pozzoli, and Hymel (2014) studies included a shorter version (24 items),
which is used with children and adolescents. Constructs included forms of aggressive behaviors
such as bullying, cyberbullying, and cyberaggression. Data showed that children with MDAB
problems usually rationalize the offensives; therefore, repeated acts of aggression are highly
plausible. Based on historical and current literature, they theorized, among other factors, that “. .
. moral disengagement is a significant correlate of aggressive behavior among children and

2. HAYNESODPSY 8111 DPSY 6112 2
youth” (Abstract), that disengagement and aggression (DA) decline with age, and that DA would
be more pronounced during adolescent than childhood.
Conclusion
Newman and Newman (2016) discussed how scientific theories are confirmed through
systematic research. Domains, constructs, and hypothesis are essential components within the
process. Domains refer to research problems or to subjects of inquiries. Constructs are analyzed
through observations, and hypotheses are rational perspectives based on objective reasoning and
empirical research (Newman & Newman, 2016). Gini, Pozzoli, and Hymel (2014) conducted a
meta-analysis study about moral disengagement and aggressive behaviors in children and
adolescents; the theoretical foundation was based on Bandura’s theory of moral disengagement
and aggressive behaviors in adults. The content of this paper includes a discussion about their
domain, constructs, and hypothesis.

3. HAYNESODPSY 8111 DPSY 6112 3
References
Bandura, A., Barbaranelli, C., Caprara, G. V., & Pastorelli, C. (1996). Mechanisms of moral
disengagement in the exercise of moral agency. Journal of Personality and Social
Psychology, 71, pp., 364–374. doi:10.1037/0022‐3514.71.2.364
Brown, A. L. (1978). Knowing when, where, and how to remember: A problem of metacognition.
In R. Glaser (Ed.), Advances in instructional psychology, Vol. 1, pp. 77–165. Hillsdale,
NJ: Erlbaum.
Flavell, J. H. (1979). Metacognition and cognitive monitoring: A new area of
cognitive-developmental inquiry. American Psychologist, 34(10), pp. 906-11. Retrieved
from Retrieved from
https://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=t
rue&db=eric&AN=EJ217109&site=eds-live&scope=site
Gini, G., Pozzoli, T., & Hymel, S. (2014). Moral disengagement among children and youth: A
meta-analytic review of links to aggressive behavior. Aggressive Behavior, 40(1), pp.,
56–68. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Newman, B. M., & Newman, P. R. (2016). Theories of human development (2nd ed.). New
York, NY: Psychology Press/Taylor & Francis