Research 101: Theories in Social Science

1. Research 101: Theories in Social Science
Harold Gamero

2. Theories
“Explanations of social or natural phenomena, events or behaviours.”
• They should explain how things happen rather than just describe or predict them.
• Predictions require only correlations, while explanations require causation.
• To establish causality, it is required:
• Correlation between two constructs
• Temporal precedence cause must precede effect
• Rejection of alternative hypotheses through empirical evidence
• Theories are not grouped data, typologies, taxonomies or empirical findings.

3. Theories
• Explanations, in general, can be of two types:
Ideographic Nomothetic
Explain unique situations in an
idiosyncratic manner
They seek to explain situations of a
certain type in a general way.
Explanations can be detailed, accurate
and valid.
Explanations may be less precise, less
complete or less detailed.
They do not necessarily apply to other
situations. They are not generalizable
They are intended to be generalizable
to other circumstances, events or
persons.

4. Theories
• Some benefits of using theories in research are:
• They provide an underlying rationale for the study
• Mention key drivers and outcomes, as well as the underlying process
• They synthesize previous empirical findings under a theoretical framework.
• Help reconcile contradictory findings
• Contributes to maximizing the value of the research to be carried out
• Accumulate and develop scientific knowledge
• Some limitations are:
• They may not always provide adequate explanations
• They may limit or pigeonhole the researcher's perspective.

5. Elements of a Theory
1. Constructs
• Capturing the "what"
2. Proposals
• Explaining the "how"
3. Logic
• Which represents and explains the "why"
4. Conditions and limiting assumptions
• Who pose the "who, when and where".

6. Attributes of a Good Theory
Are the constructs, propositions, boundary conditions
and assumptions consistently and logically connected?
Logical consistency
To what extent does theory explain (or predict) reality?
Explanatory power
Are the statements made accurate and can they be
tested?
Falsifiability
Are the explanations given the simplest ones available
(Ockham's razor)?
Parsimony

7. Approaches to theorizing
1. Grounded theory
Theory is built from empirical observations of phenomena, events or behaviours.
2. Bottom-up conceptual analysis
Using predefined frames of reference to identify new or different predictors for a given phenomenon
3. Extension/modification of a theory
Make use of existing theories to explain similar phenomena in a broader context.
4. Reuse of a theory
Applying a theory to a completely different field using analogical-deductive reasoning

8. Examples

9. Classical conditioning theory

10. Operant conditioning theory

11. Theory of expectations

12. Self-efficacy theory

13. Human capital theory

14. Diffusion of innovation theory

15. Theory of planned behavior

16. Theory of reasoned action

17. Interaction of 4 organizational theories

18. Agency theory

19. Prospective theory

20. Information asymmetry theory

21. Thank you.
Harold Gamero