Theory and Research Dr. Guerette

From Description to Explanation Traditional model of Science: Three Elements Traditional model of Science: Three Elements Theory: is a world view that consists of systematic explanations of facts and laws that relate to specific phenomena. Theory: is a world view that consists of systematic explanations of facts and laws that relate to specific phenomena. Operationalization: specific steps and procedures to measure variables that are derived from theories. Operationalization: specific steps and procedures to measure variables that are derived from theories. Observation: involves looking at the world and measuring what we see. Can take place in different ways. Observation: involves looking at the world and measuring what we see. Can take place in different ways.

From Description to Explanation Two logical systems Two logical systems Deductive logic: Deductive logic: occurs when one begins from a general theoretical perspective and derives relationships that can be empirically tested. occurs when one begins from a general theoretical perspective and derives relationships that can be empirically tested. Inductive logic: Inductive logic: Occurs when numerous observations are made and they are categorized. These categories are then examined for patterns in order to construct theory. Occurs when numerous observations are made and they are categorized. These categories are then examined for patterns in order to construct theory.

Deductive vs. Inductive Logic THEORY OBSERVATION DEDUCTIVEINDUCTIVE

Terms used in Theory Construction Concepts: Concepts: Abstract elements that represent phenomena within a specific field of study such as the concept of “violent offender” in CJ studies. Abstract elements that represent phenomena within a specific field of study such as the concept of “violent offender” in CJ studies. Variables: Variables: Empirical elements that can be observed and measured. While concepts are abstract, variables are concrete. Empirical elements that can be observed and measured. While concepts are abstract, variables are concrete.

Terms used in Theory Construction Statements: Statements: There are various types of statements. There are various types of statements. Principles (aka laws) are regularities. Principles (aka laws) are regularities. Axioms are assertions taken as truth. Axioms are assertions taken as truth. Propositions are conclusions drawn about the relationship between concepts based upon the assumptions of reality. Propositions are conclusions drawn about the relationship between concepts based upon the assumptions of reality.

Terms used in Theory Construction Objectivity and subjectivity Objectivity and subjectivity Objectivity suggests an independence of thought that is not swayed by bias. Objectivity suggests an independence of thought that is not swayed by bias. Subjectivity suggests opinions that are able to vary based on preference. Subjectivity suggests opinions that are able to vary based on preference.

Terms used in Theory Construction Intersubjective aggreement: Intersubjective aggreement: Researchers substitute this for objectivity since total objectivity is not possible. Researchers substitute this for objectivity since total objectivity is not possible. Hypotheses: Hypotheses: A hypothesis is what is expected to occur based upon the propositions derived from a theory. A hypothesis is what is expected to occur based upon the propositions derived from a theory.

Terms used in Theory Construction Paradigm: Paradigm: A paradigm is a fundamental model that allows us to organize the way that we view something. A paradigm is considered broader in nature than a theory. The social scientist begins with a view of the world and that view colors the way that we see social phenomena. A paradigm is a fundamental model that allows us to organize the way that we view something. A paradigm is considered broader in nature than a theory. The social scientist begins with a view of the world and that view colors the way that we see social phenomena.

PARADIGM THEORY CONCEPTS PROPOSITIONS HYPOTHESIS OBSERVATION

THEORYCONCEPTSPROPOSITIONSHYPOTHESES Rational Choice EffortRiskReward 1. As effort needed increases odds of crime will decrease. 2. As risk increases odds of crime decrease. 3. As reward decreases odds of crime also decrease. 1. Locations that are heavily fortified will have lower rates of crime. 2. Locations that are highly visible to others will experience fewer crimes. 3. Locations that have few valuables will have lower rates of robbery.

Theory Research & Public Policy Theory guides basic research, the results which may impact specific policy applications. Theory guides basic research, the results which may impact specific policy applications. Hypotheses are used to create “if then” statements to measure the impact of a program through its evaluation. Hypotheses are used to create “if then” statements to measure the impact of a program through its evaluation. Ecological theories of crime and its prevention examine environmental impact upon crime behavior and how prevention policy is effected. Ecological theories of crime and its prevention examine environmental impact upon crime behavior and how prevention policy is effected.

Exercise You have been asked by a concerned governmental agency to examine the relationship between childhood neglect (e.g. failure to provide adequate food, shelter, and/or medical care to a child) and use of illicit drugs by victims of neglect. Identify the independent and dependent variables in this example and describe possible attributes of each. You have been asked by a concerned governmental agency to examine the relationship between childhood neglect (e.g. failure to provide adequate food, shelter, and/or medical care to a child) and use of illicit drugs by victims of neglect. Identify the independent and dependent variables in this example and describe possible attributes of each. Given this project, the hypothesis is that people who are victims of childhood neglect will be more likely than non-victims to use illicit drugs as adults. Given this project, the hypothesis is that people who are victims of childhood neglect will be more likely than non-victims to use illicit drugs as adults. 1. Describe how you could examine this relationship using inductive logic. 1. Describe how you could examine this relationship using inductive logic. 2. Describe how you could examine the same relationship using deductive logic. 2. Describe how you could examine the same relationship using deductive logic.