Chapter 1 Definition Theory Causality We will begin with the basics of: Definition Theory Causality

Definitions Scientific language is a language To understand science we must understand the definitions of the terms and concepts that are used

Definitions Nominal Conceptual Operational There are three types of definitions: Nominal Conceptual Operational

Definitions Nominal definition: a dictionary-type definition Conceptual definition: the process of attaching meaning to concepts Operational definition: the set of procedures used to observe or measure concepts

Definitions Explication: a definitional process that begins with a conceptual definition (conceptualization) and ends with measurement (operationalization) Explication is the process of attaching meaning and measurement to an abstraction

Conceptionalization The attachment of meaning to concepts using conceptual definitions: A word definition that specifies what is and is not included in the definition A typology or list of categories/dimensions/types that the word definition implies would be useful

Conceptionalization A conceptual definition is evaluated by its utility

Operationalization The process of attaching measures (operational definitions) to our conceptual definitions Devise a way of measuring a concept, which can be tricky, because concepts cannot be directly measured (remember, concepts are abstractions)

The Process of Scientific Enquiry Identify the problem Define the issue Form a question Access expert advice

Constructs Concepts are abstractions that are defined using other abstract ideas/concepts The most abstract ideas are called constructs Constructs are concepts especially created for studying

Theory The arrangement of concepts into statements about how one concept is related to another A theoretical statement refers to two concepts linked by a relationship The relationship may be a causal one

Causation Two parts to causation: Explanation Prediction

Causation Time order Association Control Three things are needed to demonstrate a causal relationship: Time order Association Control

Causal Relationship Time order: the cause must precede the effect in time Association: the ability to show a relationship Control (control of alternate causes): other potential causes need to be identified and ruled out

Theory and Philosophy Theory is largely on argument, and arguments are based in logic There are two basic forms of logic: Deductive Inductive We will focus on deduction

Deductive Logic Deduction: moving from general statements to specific predictions or relationships Syllogism: a form of deductive reasoning in which two premises state relationships that logically lead to a conclusion

Therefore, Socrates is a man Deductive Logic Example: All men are mortal Socrates is a man Therefore, Socrates is a man

Scientific Theory Assumptions are the premises of the theoretical argument; assumptions contain the relationships between concepts… there must be observable evidence of the relationship Empirical evidence is observable