1. Chapter 1 Definition Theory Causality
We will begin with the basics of:
Definition
Theory
Causality

2. Definitions Scientific language is a language
To understand science we must understand the definitions of the terms and concepts that are used

3. Definitions Nominal Conceptual Operational
There are three types of definitions:
Nominal
Conceptual
Operational

4. Definitions Nominal definition: a dictionary-type definition
Conceptual definition: the process of attaching meaning to concepts
Operational definition: the set of procedures used to observe or measure concepts

5. Definitions
Explication: a definitional process that begins with a conceptual definition (conceptualization) and ends with measurement (operationalization)
Explication is the process of attaching meaning and measurement to an abstraction

6. Conceptionalization
The attachment of meaning to concepts using conceptual definitions:
A word definition that specifies what is and is not included in the definition
A typology or list of categories/dimensions/types that the word definition implies would be useful

7. Conceptionalization
A conceptual definition is evaluated by its utility

8. Operationalization
The process of attaching measures (operational definitions) to our conceptual definitions
Devise a way of measuring a concept, which can be tricky, because concepts cannot be directly measured (remember, concepts are abstractions)

9. The Process of Scientific Enquiry
Identify the problem
Define the issue
Form a question
Access expert advice

10. Constructs
Concepts are abstractions that are defined using other abstract ideas/concepts
The most abstract ideas are called constructs
Constructs are concepts especially created for studying

11. Theory
The arrangement of concepts into statements about how one concept is related to another
A theoretical statement refers to two concepts linked by a relationship
The relationship may be a causal one

12. Causation
Two parts to causation:
Explanation
Prediction

13. Causation Time order Association Control
Three things are needed to demonstrate a causal relationship:
Time order
Association
Control

14. Causal Relationship
Time order: the cause must precede the effect in time
Association: the ability to show a relationship
Control (control of alternate causes): other potential causes need to be identified and ruled out

15. Theory and Philosophy
Theory is largely on argument, and arguments are based in logic
There are two basic forms of logic:
Deductive
Inductive
We will focus on deduction

16. Deductive Logic
Deduction: moving from general statements to specific predictions or relationships
Syllogism: a form of deductive reasoning in which two premises state relationships that logically lead to a conclusion

17. Therefore, Socrates is a man
Deductive Logic
Example:
All men are mortal
Socrates is a man
Therefore, Socrates is a man

18. Scientific Theory
Assumptions are the premises of the theoretical argument; assumptions contain the relationships between concepts… there must be observable evidence of the relationship
Empirical evidence is observable