Using
Theory
Distinctions among:
-
Hypotheses
-
Laws
-
Models
-
Theories
Theories
Distinguished on the Basis of:
-
Quantitative vs. Qualitative
-
Descriptive, Analogical or
Fundamental
-
Domain
Some
Roles of Theory
-
Understanding
-
Prediction
-
Organizing & interpreting
data
-
Generating Research
Characteristics
of Good Theories:
-
Account for data
-
Have explanatory relevance
-
Are testable
-
Predict novel events
-
Are parsimonious
Both confirmation
and disconfirmational strategies can be used to test theories. It is best
to use both.