HSCI 307 Lecture 3: Research Paradigm
Document Summary
In health sciences we do not mean a guess or a hunch. Set of ideas (concepts) and statements that link the ideas together. Constructed for a purpose to describe, to explain, to predict, to control. That is capable of being tested and falsified (proven wrong) Supported by different types of evidence: an explanation of observed regularities or patterns. Common component of a theory: definitions: what are the key terms, descriptions: what are the characteristics, relational statements: how are variables related, deterministic. E. g. , parson"s sick role theory: grand theories, general and abstract. Begins with theory: understand specific phenomenon through background research, develop hypotheses. Theories and interpretations are the outcome of theory: gather and examine data first. Grounded theory: deriving theory from observations, used by qualitative researchers. Framework containing the basic assumptions, ways of thinking, and methodology that are commonly accepted by members of a scientific community; a cognitive framework shared by members of any discipline or group.