Reference no: EM132205085
Theory Development
Theory development builds on the results of theory search. If step 2 is the search for variables that influence the goal variables, step 3 involves building more relationships with the other variables, working backwards from that first set of variables that were directly related to the goals. This can involve complex considerations of cause and effect between all the variables.
This week you will learn how to evaluate the basic elements of cause and effect, identify how variables relate to goals, and develop a table that includes identified variables.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
Evaluate the basic elements of cause and effect
Identify the variables and relationships of an issue
Develop a table that includes identified variables
Photo Credit: [Hans Slegers]/[Hemera / Getty Images ¿Plus]/Getty Images
Learning Resources
Note: To access this week's required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.
Required Readings
Dickey, J. W., Birdsall, I. A., Larkin, G. R., & Kwang, K. S. (2015). Supernumerary intelligence: A new approach to analytics for management. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Press.
Chapter 7, "Step 3. Theory Development" (pp. 95-108)
Appendix D, "Checklist for Cause and Effect Considerations" (pp. 329-345)
Discussion: Step 3-Theory Development
An important part of theory development is establishing cause and effect. You have found your variables and your theories, but how do they relate to one another? One aspect of getting a handle on the relationships between variables is to undertake a cause-and-effect analysis. Note that there are many different kinds of cause-and-effect relationships.
To prepare:
Review Chapter 7 and Appendix D of your course text, focusing on theory search and development and cause and effect.
Review the Discussion from last week, where you began your theory search.
Using Appendix D ("Checklist for Cause and Effect Conditions") as a guide, think about the basic elements of cause and effect and which elements you believe are most important to the concept.
With these thoughts in mind:
By Day 3
Post a discussion of two of the basic elements of cause and effect that you believe are most important to the concept, and explain why they are important. Provide an example of each element.
Be sure to support your posts and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.
Read a selection of your colleagues'' posts.
By Day 5
Respond to at least two of your colleagues'' posts. Provide feedback on what they believe are the most important basic elements of cause and effect. In addition, provide your reasoning and support your response with references to resources.
Discussion
Assignment: Step 3-Theory Development
Another aspect of theory development is working out the relationship of variables to the goals. You can use your understanding of cause and effect for this task. Working backwards from the goal variable, determine how the other variables relate to the goal either directly or indirectly.
To prepare:
Review Chapter 7 and Appendix D of your course text, focusing on theory search and development and cause and effect.
Review the Discussion from last week, where you began your theory search.
Using Section 7.2 in your course text as a guide, think about what variables affect the outcome of the issue or situation you have been studying since the Week 4 Discussion.
Complete your Assignment in a table:
Identify the variables and their relationships that would affect the outcome of your issue or situation.
The table should include the variable and which other variables it affects.