Theories, Propositions, and Causation

Research Methods — Week 3. Key concepts from the comprehensive notes.

Nomological network

A system of proposed relationships among multiple related constructs.

Proposition

A declarative statement proposing a relationship between theoretical constructs.

Hypothesis

A testable empirical statement about the expected relationship between measurable variables.

Logic

The reasoning that explains why theoretical constructs should relate to one another in the proposed way.

Boundary conditions

The limits specifying the settings, populations, times, or circumstances in which a theory is expected to apply.

Assumptions

Underlying conditions or premises accepted within a theory.

Idiographic explanation

A detailed explanation of a specific individual event or situation.

Nomothetic explanation

A generalized explanation intended to apply across a class of people, events, or situations.

Causation

A relationship in which one factor produces change in another, requiring correlation, temporal precedence, and elimination of plausible alternatives.