The Uses of Theoryfrom Creswell, 2009

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Quantitative

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Definition of a Theory

(Quantitative)“A set of interrelated constructs (variables), definitions, and propositions that presents a systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations among variables, with the purpose of explaining natural phenomena”

from Kerlinger, 1979

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Definition of a Theory

(Quantitative)Which means (according to Creswell) “that a theory is an interrelated set of constructs (or variables) formed into propositions, or hypotheses, that specify the relationship among variables (typically in terms of magnitude or direction).”

Creswell, 2008

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Definition of a Theory

(Quantitative)

It is how independent variable X influences or affects dependent variable Y.

X Y

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Definition of a Theory

EXAMPLE:

The greater the centralization of power in leaders the greater the disenfranchisement of the followers.

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Definition of a Theory

EXAMPLE 2:

This might be the “if, then” definition.

IF the frequency of interaction between two or more persons increases, THEN the degree of their liking for one another will increase and vice versa.

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VISUAL MODELS

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Three independent variables influence a single dependent variable mediated by two

intervening variables.

x1

x2

x3

y1

y1

z1

Independent variable

dependent variable

Intervening variable

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Two groups with different treatments on XS are compared in terms of Y.

Y1

Experimentalgroup

Controlgroup

VariableX

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Deductive approach

Researcher tests or verifies a theory

Researcher tests hypothesisOr research questions form the theory

Researcher defines and operationalizesvariables derived from the theory

Researcher measures or observes variablesusing an instrument to obtain scores

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Qualitative

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Qualitative

• Is designed for use with broad explanations for attitudes.

• May be complete with variables, constructs, and hypotheses.

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Qualitative

• Researchers increasingly use a theoretical lens or perspective in qualitative research.

• This provides an overall orienting lens for the study of things such as race, class, gender and other issues of marginalized groups.

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Qualitative

• They guide the researcher to what issues are important to examine. (Examples would be marginalization or empowerment.)

• Also as to what people need to be studied. (Women, men, the homeless, minority groups.

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Qualitative

• The lens becomes an advocacy perspective that shapes the types of questions asked.

• It informs how data are collected and analyzed.

• It also provides a call for action or change.

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Qualitative

Some examples of such perspectives:• Feminist perspective (Women’s situations as

problematic.)• Critical theory perspective (The production and

control of knowledge)• Radicalized discourse (Empowering humans to

transcend race, class, gender.)• Queer theory (Does not objectify individuals, but

concerned with political and cultural relations.)

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Qualitative

• May become an end point in itself.• Is an inductive process building from the data to

broad themes to a generalized model or theory.

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Inductive approachResearcher poses generalizations or

theories from past experience and literature

Researcher looks for broad patterns, Generalizations, or theories from

Themes or catergories

Researcher analyzes data toForm themes or categories

Researcher gathers information(e.g., interviews, observations)

Researcher gathers information(e.g., interviews, observations)

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Qualitative

• First is the gathering of data from participants.• Then the development of themes and

categories into patterns, theories, or generalizations.

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Qualitative

• Some studies do not employ any explicit theory.

• But it is argued that no research begins as pure observation. There is a prior conceptualization on the part of the researcher as to what is important to study, which creates a starting point.

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Mixed Methods

Theory use in mixed methods may include:• Deductive, as in quantitative theory testing

and verification. • Inductive, as in an emerging quality or

pattern.

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Mixed Methods

• Theory can be a perspective or a lens to guide the study.

• It may be of a transformative design giving primacy to value-based, action-oriented research. – Empowering– Emancipative

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