2. How to construct a theory?

3. Steps: 1. Postulates are asserted 2. Observations on human behaviors are made 3. Theory is constructed (assumption may be included 4. Hypothesis is derived (If A, then B) 5. Hypothesis is tested against evidence 6. Theory is either confirmed or refuted 7. Repeat steps 4, 5, 6 8. After continual testing, if the theory is confirmed, then it is accepted tentatively

4. Is attractiveness important to females? Which one is more charming? In order to provide an answer, a theory is used to explain and predict human behaviors.

5. Step 1 Postulates are asserted: 4 Physical attractiveness is important to females

6. Step 2 Observation: 4 Many females are on diet

7. Assumption: 4 Genetic factor will not determine the body shape

8. Step 3 Theory: Behaviors are explained and predicted as follows: The greater the need to enhance physical attractiveness, the greater the tendency will be for a female to lose weight

9. Step 4 Hypothesis: Hypothesis is derived: If a female considers herself more unattractive, then she will perform a greater number of dieting behaviors.

10. Step 5 collect evidence through a survey Question 1: How would you rank your appearance? A. ugly B. medium C. above average D. beautiful Question 2: Check against a list of behaviors 4 vomit after each meal 4 take medication to control appetite 4 skip lunch 4 calculate body weight before and after each meal 4 calculate calories of food before eating 4 others: ?

11. Result: Step 6: Theory is confirmed

12. Step 7: Hypothesis: Second hypothesis is derived: If a female has been married for a longer period of time, then she is less likely to be on diet.

13. Result (Empirical evidence collected through survey):

14. Step 8: The process of hypothesis testing will continue. When the theory is confirmed, then it will be accepted tentatively.

15. Member List : Alice Chung (6) Crystal Hui (9) Iris Hung (10) Venda Lee (16) Lavinia Sin (24) Tammy Tam (25)