Concept Explication
Research Concepts Research concepts Terms and labels used to organize our everyday experiences and communicate with others Require careful explicit definitions Critical for classification and comparison Determines what we measure and analyze What do we mean when we want to study… Prejudice, Participation, or Patriotism
Types of Concepts Singular: denote particular objects Ex. George Bush, NYC, UW-Madison Class: collections of singular concepts Ex. Politicians, cities, universities Variables: possess some differentiating dimension Ex. Honesty, volunteerism, size Relational: make connections between concepts Ex. Decreasing, negatively associated, greater than Meta-concept: complex concept with numerous dimensions Ex. Democracy - value-laden and emotionally held
Criteria for Good Concepts Abstractness Distanced from particular object Generalize from one object to another Operationalizability Can be observed and assessed Other can replicate the observation Precision/Clarity in meaning Communicate concept and relationships Technical language must be clear
Concept Explication The process by which abstract concepts are systematically linked to observed variations in those concepts in the real world Conceptual definitions Essential properties the researcher intends to be included within the concepts meaning Operational definitions Procedures by which the concept is to be observed, measured, or manipulated
Two Stages in Process Meaning analysis Empirical analysis deductive process process of developing interrelated conceptual and operational definitions Empirical analysis inductive process process of evaluating definitions on the basis of empirical evidence (observations)
Meaning Analysis Logical procedures used to clearly connect conceptual and operational definitions Six steps in this stage of explication Preliminary identification of concept Literature review about concept Empirical description of concept Develop tentative conceptual definition Develop tentative operational definition Data gathering
Concepts, Dimensions, Indicators
Reconstructing Concept Definitions
Theory Construction Theory: An organized explanation of some recurrent phenomena of research interest Convey a sense of understanding Reasoning behind the explanation is logical Theory: A collection of statements asserting a relationship between two or more concepts as they vary among a class of objects Dependent and independent variables Hypotheses of relationships between variables
Relationship Between Theory and Research
Group Discussion Engage in a concept explication of “informational Internet use” or “socially conscious consumption” Define the concept Discuss its dimensions Outline key indicators Offer a theory about your concept What will it be related to? How will it be related?