Political Science 3324F/G Study Guide - Final Guide: Webcam, Random Number Table, Focus Group
6 Dec 2016
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Document Summary
An explanation of observed regularities and patterns. Verifiable statements that a theory may be refuted: must be testable to see if they hold k. Theories define key terms, provide descriptions of phenomena of interest and are composed of relational statements. Middle-range theories are more limited in scope than grand theories (which are general and abstract) Most social science research is focused on mid-range theories. Theories exist to analyze social and natural phenomena. Without theory, we often find ourselves describing the world without putting any linkage in place: theories drive research to gain further knowledge of social world. Inductive look at findings/observations that we find interesting, note them, develop a theory based on these findings. Deductive start with a theory about a relationship between variables, test the theory to develop findings and observations to allow us to understand if theory holds or needs to be rethought.
