Theory Construction And Model Building Skills

Author : James Jaccard,Jacob Jacoby
Publisher : Guilford Publications
Page : 545 pages
File Size : 43,5 Mb
Release : 2020-02-06
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 9781462542444

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Theory Construction and Model-Building Skills by James Jaccard,Jacob Jacoby Pdf

"This book provides young scientists with tools to assist them in the practical aspects of theory construction. We take an informal journey through the cognitive heuristics, tricks of the trade, and ways of thinking that we have found to be useful in developing theories-essentially, conceptualizations-that can advance knowledge in the social sciences. This book is intended to provide the instructor with a useful source for helping students come up with ideas for research and for fine-tuning the resultant theories that emerge from such thinking. An objective of this book is to move toward a needed balance in the emphases given to theory construction and theory testing"--

Author : Pamela J. Shoemaker,James William Tankard, Jr.,Dominic L. Lasorsa
Publisher : SAGE Publications
Page : 240 pages
File Size : 47,7 Mb
Release : 2003-12-10
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 9781452210438

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How to Build Social Science Theories by Pamela J. Shoemaker,James William Tankard, Jr.,Dominic L. Lasorsa Pdf

As straightforward as its title, How to Build Social Science Theories sidesteps the well-traveled road of theoretical examination by demonstrating how new theories originate and how they are elaborated. Essential reading for students of social science research, this book traces theories from their most rudimentary building blocks (terminology and definitions) through multivariable theoretical statements, models, the role of creativity in theory building, and how theories are used and evaluated. Authors Pamela J. Shoemaker, James William Tankard, Jr., and Dominic L. Lasorsa intend to improve research in many areas of the social sciences by making research more theory-based and theory-oriented. The book begins with a discussion of concepts and their theoretical and operational definitions. It then proceeds to theoretical statements, including hypotheses, assumptions, and propositions. Theoretical statements need theoretical linkages and operational linkages; this discussion begins with bivariate relationships, as well as three-variable, four-variable, and further multivariate relationships. The authors also devote chapters to the creative component of theory-building and how to evaluate theories.

Author : James Jaccard,Jacob Jacoby
Publisher : Guilford Publications
Page : 545 pages
File Size : 48,9 Mb
Release : 2020-02-06
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 9781462542437

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Theory Construction and Model-Building Skills by James Jaccard,Jacob Jacoby Pdf

"This book provides young scientists with tools to assist them in the practical aspects of theory construction. We take an informal journey through the cognitive heuristics, tricks of the trade, and ways of thinking that we have found to be useful in developing theories-essentially, conceptualizations-that can advance knowledge in the social sciences. This book is intended to provide the instructor with a useful source for helping students come up with ideas for research and for fine-tuning the resultant theories that emerge from such thinking. An objective of this book is to move toward a needed balance in the emphases given to theory construction and theory testing"--

Author : Richard A. Swanson,Thomas J. Chermack
Publisher : Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Page : 238 pages
File Size : 41,9 Mb
Release : 2013-08-05
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 9781609947330

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Theory Building in Applied Disciplines by Richard A. Swanson,Thomas J. Chermack Pdf

Theory matters in applied disciplines—fields that apply scholarly research to professional practice, such as management, social work, health care, human resource development, education, and many others. Because these disciplines deal with human beings in the real world, a flawed theory can result in actual harm to people and institutions. When faced with a professional problem, practitioners resort to the latest fad or simply throw everything and anything at it because of the lack of sound theory. Scholars deal with problems by slicing them into small segments to study them but fail to address the practical implications. What's needed is a way to unite research and practice to create robust theory. This is exactly what Richard Swanson and Thomas Chermack offer here: a complete, five-step method for developing sound, field-tested theory in applied disciplines. Unlike many existing methods, which cover only the initial conceptualization of a theory, the authors offer a complete approach, from conceptualizing a theory to creating relevant assessment criteria, establishing a research agenda to test the theory's validity, applying the theoretical concepts in the real world, and using that experience to further refine and improve the theory. The method is not restricted to any single discipline, nor is it beholden to any research ideology. Swanson and Chermack provide a set of tools for each phase of the process, making this book accessible and applicable to a wide audience. And in addition to examples in each chapter, they offer two extended case examples of complete theory building. With flawed theories impeding the development of many applied disciplines, this book is desperately needed.

Author : Richard J. Jagacinski,John M. Flach
Publisher : CRC Press
Page : 394 pages
File Size : 44,7 Mb
Release : 2018-10-08
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 9781410606761

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Control Theory for Humans by Richard J. Jagacinski,John M. Flach Pdf

This textbook provides a tutorial introduction to behavioral applications of control theory. Control theory describes the information one should be sensitive to and the pattern of influence that one should exert on a dynamic system in order to achieve a goal. As such, it is applicable to various forms of dynamic behavior. The book primarily deals with manual control (e.g., moving the cursor on a computer screen, lifting an object, hitting a ball, driving a car), both as a substantive area of study and as a useful perspective for approaching control theory. It is the experience of the authors that by imagining themselves as part of a manual control system, students are better able to learn numerous concepts in this field. Topics include varieties of control theory, such as classical, optimal, fuzzy, adaptive, and learning control, as well as perception and decision making in dynamic contexts. The authors also discuss implications of control theory for how experiments can be conducted in the behavioral sciences. In each of these areas they have provided brief essays intended to convey key concepts that enable the reader to more easily pursue additional readings. Behavioral scientists teaching control courses will be very interested in this book.

Author : Gary Kielhofner
Publisher : F.A. Davis
Page : 331 pages
File Size : 55,7 Mb
Release : 2009-06-19
Category : Medical
ISBN : 9780803623484

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Conceptual Foundations of Occupational Therapy Practice by Gary Kielhofner Pdf

PREPARE YOUR OT STUDENTS TO BECOME OT THINKERS. Thoroughly revised and updated, the 4th Edition of this groundbreaking text traces the historical development of the foundations of modern occupational therapy theory; examines its status today; and looks to its future. Dr. Kielhofner compares and contrasts eight well-known models, using diagrams to illustrate their practical applications and to highlight their similarities and differences. Well organized chapters are supported by extensive references.

Author : Luciano L'Abate
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 458 pages
File Size : 46,7 Mb
Release : 2011-12-01
Category : Psychology
ISBN : 1461409144

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Paradigms in Theory Construction by Luciano L'Abate Pdf

Within the field of psychology there is a proliferation of paradigms, theories, models, and dimensions without an underlying conceptual framework or theory. This conclusion has been reached by representatives of many different psychological specialties. In response to this inconsistency this book presents a hierarchical framework about important theoretical issues that are present in psychological thinking. These issues concern definitions of three major theoretical concepts in theory and practice: (a) paradigms, (b) theories, and (c) models. It focuses on defining, comparing, and contrasting these three conceptual terms. This framework clarifies differences among paradigms, theories, and models, terms which have become increasingly confused in the psychological literature. Paradigms are usually confused with theories or with models while theories are confused with models. Examples of misuses of these terms suggest the need for a hierarchical structure that views paradigms as conceptual constructions overseeing a variety of psychological theories and verifiable models.

Author : Bertram Gawronski,Galen V. Bodenhausen
Publisher : Guilford Publications
Page : 449 pages
File Size : 46,7 Mb
Release : 2015-01-07
Category : Psychology
ISBN : 9781462518487

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Theory and Explanation in Social Psychology by Bertram Gawronski,Galen V. Bodenhausen Pdf

This volume provides the first authoritative explication of metatheoretical principles in the construction and evaluation of social-psychological theories. Leading international authorities review the conceptual foundations of the field's most influential approaches, scrutinizing the range and limits of theories in various areas of inquiry. The chapters describe basic principles of logical inference, illustrate common fallacies in theoretical interpretations of empirical findings, and outline the unique contributions of different levels of analysis. An in-depth look at the philosophical foundations of theorizing in social psychology, the book will be of interest to any scholar or student interested in scientific explanations of social behavior.

Author : Andrew H. Van de Ven,Vernon H Heath Professor of Organizational Innovation and Change Andrew H Van de Ven
Publisher : Oxford University Press on Demand
Page : 343 pages
File Size : 54,5 Mb
Release : 2007-05-24
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 9780199226290

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Engaged Scholarship by Andrew H. Van de Ven,Vernon H Heath Professor of Organizational Innovation and Change Andrew H Van de Ven Pdf

A guide for organizational and social research in business studies and the social sciences, providing a clear framework for research design and methodology. It will be an invaluable tool for academics, researchers, and graduate students across the social sciences concerned with rigorous and relevant research in the contemporary world.

Author : Paul Davidson Reynolds
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 208 pages
File Size : 53,7 Mb
Release : 2015-07-02
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9781317345145

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Primer in Theory Construction by Paul Davidson Reynolds Pdf

A Primer in Theory Construction is for those who have already studied one or more of the social, behavioral, or natural sciences, but have no formal introduction to the way theories are constructed, stated, tested, and connected together to form a scientific body of knowledge. The author discusses scientific theories in general terms, but also addresses the special challenges of developing scientific knowledge about social and human phenomena. This Allyn and Bacon Classics Edition contains the complete text of the original copyright 1971 version, with new typography and page design.

Author : Mano Singham
Publisher : Oxford University Press, USA
Page : 321 pages
File Size : 46,6 Mb
Release : 2019-12-18
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780190055059

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The Great Paradox of Science by Mano Singham Pdf

Science has revolutionized our lives and continues to show inexorable progress today. It may seem obvious that this must be because its theories are steadily getting better and approaching the truth about the world. After all, what could science be progressing toward, if not the truth? But scholarship in the history, philosophy, and sociology of science offers little support for such a sanguine view. Those opposed to specific conclusions of the scientific community-nonbelievers in vaccinations, climate change, and evolution, for example-have been able to use a superficial understanding of the nature of science to sow doubt about the scientific consensus in those areas, leaving the general public confused as to whom to trust, with damaging effects for the health of individuals and the planet. The Great Paradox of Science argues that to better counter such anti-science efforts requires us to understand the nature of scientific knowledge at a much deeper level and dispel many myths and misconceptions. It is the use of scientific logic, the characteristics of which are elaborated on in the book, that enables the scientific community to arrive at reliable consensus judgments in which the public can retain a high degree of confidence. This scientific logic is applicable not just in science but can be used in all areas of life. Scientists, policymakers, and members of the general public will not only better understand why science works: They will also acquire the tools they need to make sound, rational decisions in all areas of their lives.

Author : Milan Radosavljevic,John Bennett
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 325 pages
File Size : 46,8 Mb
Release : 2012-05-08
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 9781119968481

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Construction Management Strategies by Milan Radosavljevic,John Bennett Pdf

An authoritative textbook on construction management offering a clear model for understanding theoretical aspects. The construction industry has become a truly global network of interconnected stakeholders making demands which require the involvement of skilled workforces from all over the world. Construction Management Strategies sets the foundations for understanding and managing construction’s inherent complexity and uniqueness. It establishes clear definitions of commonly accepted terms like built environment, construction, civil engineering, etc. which are often given confusing and conflicting interpretations. It cuts through the plethora of overlapping role titles currently used in the construction sector that make it difficult to establish how projects are actually managed. Construction Management Strategies: Offers a robust and consistent theoretical basis to explain the performance of the main approaches to construction management. Describes corporate and project management in construction as an integrated whole. Provides the basic toolkit a student needs to think through the practical situations they will later face. Helps bring the theory of construction management to international students who struggle to find a solid grounding in this complex and fragmented subject. Includes a companion website featuring a wealth of directly transferable examples for students, as well as PPT slides and topic discussion ideas for lecturers.

Author : Elizabeth Steiner
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 165 pages
File Size : 40,6 Mb
Release : 1988-01
Category : Education
ISBN : 0949784060

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Methodology of Theory Building by Elizabeth Steiner Pdf

Author : Jac A. M. Vennix
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 320 pages
File Size : 51,6 Mb
Release : 1996-08-16
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : NWU:35556027241991

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Group Model Building by Jac A. M. Vennix Pdf

This book is about increasing team performance. It focuses on building system dynamics models when tackling a mix of interrelated strategic problems to enhance team learning, foster consensus, and create commitment. The book is intended to be applied in the organizations of today. As the "command and control" organization evolves into one of decision-making teams, so these teams have become the critical building blocks upon which the performance of the organization depends. The team members face an increased complexity of decision making with the interrelation of several strategic problems. What this means is that people have different views of the situation and will define problems differently. However, research shows that this can in fact be very productive if and when people learn from each other in order to build a shared perspective. Learning in this way might prove to be the only sustainable competitive advantage for organizations in the future. As a result, team leaders want to create "learning teams" and are confronted with issues such as how to: create a situation where people doubt their ideas rather than stubbornly cling to dearly held views create a learning atmosphere rather than trying to "win" the discussion create a shared understanding of a problem in a team foster consensus and create commitment with a strategic decision facilitate Group Model Building Those who will benefit most from Group Model Building: Facilitating Team Learning Using System Dynamics are those who are familiar with systems thinking or organizational learning, or those who are working in groups and are coming up against the common difficulties.

Author : Gerald Zaltman,Karen LeMasters,Michael Heffring
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 248 pages
File Size : 45,5 Mb
Release : 1982
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : STANFORD:36105005325993

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Theory Construction in Marketing by Gerald Zaltman,Karen LeMasters,Michael Heffring Pdf