ch03 Theory Building (1).ppt
- 1. Business Research Methods William G. Zikmund Chapter 3: Theory Building
- 2. Theories Theories are nets cast to catch what we call “the world”: to rationalize, to explain, and to master it. We endeavor to make the mesh ever finer and finer. Karl R. Popper
- 3. Two Purposes Of Theory • Prediction • Understanding
- 4. Theory • A coherent set of general propositions used as principles of explanation of the apparent relationships of certain observed phenomena.
- 5. Concept (or Construct) • A generalized idea about a class of objects, attributes, occurrences, or processes that has been given a name • Building blocks that abstract reality • “leadership,” “productivity,” and “morale” • “gross national product,” “asset,” and “inflation”
- 6. Vegetation Fruit Banana Reality Increasingly more abstract A Ladder Of Abstraction For Concepts
- 7. Scientific Business Researchers Operate at Two Levels • Abstract level – concepts – propositions • Empirical level – variables – hypotheses
- 8. Definitions • Abstract level -In theory development, the level of knowledge expressing a concept that exists only as an idea or a quality apart from an object. • Empirical level -Level of knowledge reflecting that which is verifiable by experience or observation.
- 9. Theory Building A Process Of Increasing Abstraction Theories Propositions Concepts Observation of objects and events (reality ) Increasingly more abstract
- 10. CONCEPTS OBSERVATION OF OBJECTS AND EVENTS (REALITY) Empirical Level Abstract Level Concepts are Abstractions of Reality
- 11. Scientific Method The use of a set of prescribed procedures for establishing and connecting theoretical statements about events and for predicting events yet unknown.
- 12. Abstract Level • Concepts abstract reality. • Propositions are statements concerned with the relationships among concepts.
- 13. Always makes four sales calls a day Dollar bonus for sales volume over quota Concept B (Habits) Hypothesis at Empirical Level Concept A (Reinforcement) Proposition at Abstract Level
- 14. • A hypothesis is a proposition that is empirically testable. It is an empirical statement concerned with the relationship among variables. • A variable is anything that may assume different numerical values.
- 15. Theory and Song A fact without a theory Is like a ship without a sail, Is like a boat without a rudder, Is like a kite without a tail. A fact without a figure is a tragic final act, But one thing worse in this universe Is a theory without a fact.
- 16. Deductive Reasoning • The logical process of deriving a conclusion from a known premise or something known to be true. – We know that all managers are human beings. – If we also know that John Smith is a manager, – then we can deduce that John Smith is a human being.
- 17. Inductive Reasoning • The logical process of establishing a general proposition on the basis of observation of particular facts. – All managers that have ever been seen are human beings; – therefore all managers are human beings.
- 18. Assess relevant existing knowledge Formulate concepts & Propositions Statement of Hypotheses Design research Acquire empirical data Analyze & evaluate data Provide explanation- state new problem The Scientific Method: An Overview
- 19. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance