Theory: features, attributes, approaches to knowing

• Richard West & Lynn Turner


  Proponents
• Theory

  An abstract system that shows how ideas relate to one another to explain a phenomenon
• Strain theory 


  How difficulties or obstacles in attaining societal goals can lead to nontypical behavior
• Example of strain theory

  Pressures of social media can lead to mental health issues among teens
• Theorizing


  The process of systematically arranging and creating ideas to understand a phenomenon
• Three features and attributes of theory

  Level of generality, components, goals
• Level of generality 


  How widely the theory can be applied
• Types of level of generality

  Grand theory (Universal ), Mid-range theory (Moderately General), Narrow Theory (Very specific)
• Grand theory (Universal) 


  A theory is able to explain broad aspects of a phenomenon
• Grand theory 


  Marxism is an example of?
• Mid-range theory (Moderately general)


  A theory is able to explain a specified aspect of a phenomenon
• Rhetorical theory (persuasive communication strategies) is an example of?

  Mid-range theory
• Narrow theory (Very specific)


  A theory explains a minimal aspect of a phenomenon
• Uses and Gratifications theory (People selectively using media to satisfy needs) is an example of?

  Narrow Theory
• Components of a theory

  Concepts & Relationships
• Concepts of theory

  Nominal concepts & Real concepts
• Nominal concepts 


  Concepts that are not directly observable
• Love and democracy is an example of what concept?

  Nominal concepts
• Rituals are an example of what concept?

  Real concepts
• Real concepts


  Concepts that are directly observable
• Types of relationships of a theory

  Linear, interactive, transactional
• Ways in which concepts are connected

  Relationships
• Linear relationship 


  One-way influence
• Interactional relationship


  Two-way influence. Alternate positions as sender and receiver.
• Transactional relationship


  Simultaneous sending and receiving of messages
• Goals of theory

  Explanation, understanding, prediction, social change
• Approaches to knowing

  Positivist or empirical approach, interpretive approach, critical approach
• Positivist or Empirical Approach 


  Seeks objective truths through unbiased and systematic research methods
• Interpretive approach 


  Focuses on understanding subjective experiences and meanings
• Critical approach 


  Centers on the relationship between knowledge and power
• Experimental research like testing the efficiency of a drug is an example of what approach?

  Positivist or Empirical Approach
• Ethnography like observing how individuals use social media to manage their online identities is an example of what approach?

  Interpretive approach
• Critical theory like the use of social media in political campaigns can show how the power of media influences public opinion and voting decisions.

  Critical approach
• Year proposed

  2010