HLTHAGE 2BB3 Chapter Notes - Chapter week 2: Gerontology, Thomas Kuhn, Normal Science
Document Summary
Theory: the construction of explicit explanations in accounting for empirical findings. They provide explanations by stating causal relationships that connect processes or events. They explain things that have been, or can be, empirically observed; that is, data-based findings (from any number of sources- interviews, administrative data, textual materials, lab trials) Theoretical perspectives: not as tightly organized as theories, offering more loosely linked explanations. 2 ways: deductive: derived by a local pattern of thought- once theory is thought through using rules of logic then the data gathering begins- more traditional type of science (hard science) - testing. Inductive: begins with emphasis on gathering data and moves from specific observations to the development of a theory creation. Facts: empirically established findings - the building blocks of theories facts take on the meaning that theory gives them. Models: empirical generalizations that are linked together descriptively only offer descriptions. Paradigms: world views that underlie different groups of theories.