LS221 Lecture Notes - Observational Error, Diminishing Returns, Sample Size Determination
24 Sep 2013
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Document Summary
Two issues: form of the theory and relationship between data and theory. Theory explanation of observed regularities or patterns. Deterministic two variables always go together in a certain way. If the variables are not related in this way, relational statement must be modified. Probabilistic two variables go together with some degree of regularity, relationship is not inevitable. So, finding a case that does not fit the pattern does not mean the theory is modified but variables may just not be related in a usual way. Theories of the middle range and grand theories. Theories of middle range: limited in scope, tested directly via empirical evidence. Grand theories: general and abstract, structural functionalism, symbolic interactionism critical theory, post-structuralism, feminism, few direct indications of how to collect evidence and test. Some social scientists reject research that has no direct connection to theory. Relationship between theory and research: theory may follow upon or arise from collection and analysis of data.
