Major Meta Theory Schools: The Objectivist View The Positivist Perspective: generalizations apart from observable reality considered unacceptable Logical Positivism: statements not describing facts are metaphysical and meaningless Logical Atomism: statements also are meaningful if they are composed of simpler statements that describe empirical facts Logical Empiricism: metaphysical statements acceptable if they promote understanding empirical statements Slide 3.1

Major Meta Theory Schools: The Subjectivist View Associated with: Phenomenology: immersion of oneself in the flow of experience Slide 3.2

Major Meta Theory Schools: Critical Theorist View Although an objective reality exists, understanding it involves recognizing that there are two faces of reality: an intransitive dimension that is the actual structure of events a transitive dimension that consists of our understanding of reality. Slide 3.3

Major Meta Theory Schools: The Constructivists Constructivism: understanding of reality constructed by the individual’s encounter with the world and the individual’s set of personal constructs or expectations Slide 3.4

Relations Among Definitions Conceptual Definitions < Constructs Operational Definitions < Selection of Variables Slide 3.5