Creswell on theory

The Uses of Theory
from Creswell, 2009
1

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
3

(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
4

(Quantitative)
It is how independent variable X influences or
affects dependent variable Y.
X Y
5

EXAMPLE:
The greater the centralization of power in
leaders the greater the
disenfranchisement of the followers.
6

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.
7

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
9

Two groups with different treatments on XS are
compared in terms of Y.
Y1
Experimental
group
Control
group
Variable
X
10

Deductive approach
Researcher tests or verifies a theory
Researcher tests hypothesis
Or research questions form the theory
Researcher defines and operationalizes
variables derived from the theory
Researcher measures or observes variables
using an instrument to obtain scores
11

Qualitative
• Is designed for use with broad explanations
for attitudes.
• May be complete with variables, constructs,
and hypotheses.
13

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.
14

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.
15

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.
16

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.)
17

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.
18

Inductive approach
Researcher poses generalizations or
theories from past experience and literature
Researcher looks for broad patterns,
Generalizations, or theories from
Themes or catergories
Researcher analyzes data to
Form themes or categories
Researcher gathers information
(e.g., interviews, observations)
Researcher gathers information
(e.g., interviews, observations)
19

Qualitative
• First is the gathering of data from participants.
• Then the development of themes and
categories into patterns, theories, or
generalizations.
20

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.
21

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.
22

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
23

Creswell on theory

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