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2 - THEORY AND METHOD

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2012

Paul S. Gray ,
John B. Williamson ,
David A. Karp  and
John R. Dalphin
Paul S. Gray
Affiliation:
Boston College, Massachusetts
John B. Williamson
Affiliation:
Boston College, Massachusetts
David A. Karp
Affiliation:
Boston College, Massachusetts
John R. Dalphin
Affiliation:
Merrimack College, Massachusetts
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Summary

INTRODUCTION

In Chapter 1, the scientific method was described as a process that contains theory and the testing of hypotheses or hunches suggested by the theory. Indeed, in all of the various social science disciplines, and no matter what method of data collection is employed, theory is used as a guide in the collection and analysis of data. Moreover, in many studies where the researcher does not begin with a thoroughly defined theory, we can create theory by searching through the data for recurring patterns of behavior.

The application of social theory to research is one of the prime areas for the use of the research imagination. This chapter explains the relationship between theory and methods in detail. It describes the various forms that theory may take. It compares and contrasts research that is designed to verify existing theory with studies that are designed to create new theory. Then, the source of research ideas or how researchers decide what to study is discussed. Finally, the idea of research as a “craft,” or set of related skills that can be practiced and learned, is introduced.

THEORY AND SOCIAL RESEARCH

There are numerous options open to the investigator in choosing a theoretical perspective. Moreover, the many different kinds of social theory vary in terms of the specific concepts they contain, how complete or well articulated they are and in the way they are expressed on paper, with words or diagrams.

Type
Chapter
Information
The Research Imagination
An Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Methods
 , pp. 17 - 32
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2007

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