What constitutes a
theorical contribution
What are building
blocks of theory
development
Who, Where, When
discovered through sub-
sequent tests of the initial, rudimentary
theoretical statement
Sensitivity to context is especially
important
for theories based on experience.
These temporal and contex-
tual factors set the boundaries of
generalizability
conditions place
limitations on the propositions
generated from a
theoretical model.
propositions
deduced
implications for
research
they should
be limited to specifying the logically
To avoid vacuous dicus
sions
What and How pro-
vide a framework
for interpreting patterns
should be well grounded in
the Whys, as well as the
Hows and the Whats
insufficient understanding
of why we collectively
What theoretical direction we are following
Started an investigative journey
mission of a
theory-development
Subtopic
is to challenge and
extend existing knowledge
Is conducted has important im-
plications for the link between theory develop-
ment and empirical research
Why research
Why
If all links have been empirically verified,
the model is ready
logic replaces data as
the basis for evaluation
The soundness of fundamental
views of human nature
provide the basis for judging the reason
ableness of the proposed conceptualization
What are the underlying psychological,
economic, or social dynamics that justify
the factors.
the theory's
assumptions
the theoretical glue
that welds
the model together.
What and How elements
Not all theoretical treatises must
contain figures
How do you explain your choice?
Type in the explanation.
Example:
- It is an exaggeration to claim that everything ('all we see or seem') is 'but a dream'.
A visual representation
often clarifies the author's
constitute toe domain or
subject of the theory
How
How are they
related Operationally
this involves
the researcher
may be unable to adequately
test these links
it typically in-
troduces causality.
using
"arrows"' to
connect the "boxes
delete unnecessary or invalid
elements than it is to justify additions.
theory development
The hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses exaggerations to create emphasis or effect.
What hyperbole did you find in the novel/poem? Type it in.
Example:
- 'All that we see or seem / Is but a dream within a dream.'
a complete theory must con-
tain four essential elements
What is the literary work in which you found the hyperbole? Is it a novel, short story or poem?
Example: A dream within a dream by Edgar Allan Poe - poem.
What
concepts
constructs
Two criteria
the "right" factors:
parsimony
comprehensiveness
variables
What Factors Are Considered in
Judging Conceptual Papers?
Who cares?
A paper may
be technically adequate but inherently uninter-
estinc to most of our broad audience
Why now?
interviewers give low marks to
papers they perceive are
redundant, unconnected, or antiquated
Done well?
Are the paper's format and content
consistent
with the specifications
in the Notice
Well done?
paper reflect sea-
soned thinking
Why so?
Theory development papers should be
built on a foundation of convincing
argumentation
So what?
the purpose of the standard theoretical
paper should be to alter research practice
Proposed
changes can be calibrated in terms
of scope and
degree
What's new
Reviewers are not
necessarily looking for
totally new theories
What Is a Legitimate, Value-Added
Contribution to Theory Development?
theoretical feedback loop.
Third
In general, theoretical critiques should
propose remedies or alternatives
Second
theoretical critiques
should marshal
compelling evidence
epistemological
its assumptions are invalid
given information from
another field
empirical
its predictions are inconsistent with
the data accumulated from several studies
First
proposed improvements addressing
only a
single element
theorists
need to understand
why this anomaly exists, so
that they can revise the How and What
Who, When, Where
insuficient to point out limitations
in current conceptions
Why.
Theories
are challenged
because their as-
sumptions have been proven
unrealistic
This is probably the most fruitful, but
also -he most difficult
involves borrowing a per-
spective from other fields
Important changes
in a theory's What and
How ire frequently stimulated
demonstrate the value
Identify how
this change affects the accepted relationships
between the variables (Hows
)
pro
posed change
What and How
Personification is a figure of speech which gives human qualities to nonhuman things.
Type in the personification you found in the novel/poem.
Example:
'- Not to-night, good Iago: I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking.'
adding or subtracting factors
(Whats)
How do you explain your choice?
Type in the explanation.
Example:
The brain is given the attribute of being 'unhappy'.
Although, in principle, it is
possible to make an important theoretical
contribution
What is the literary work in which you found the personification? What is its genre?
Example:
Othello by William Shakespeare - tragedy
