1. Logic Systems and Theory in Communication Research

2. Deductive Theory Construction: STEPS
Specify the topic
Specify the range of phenomena the theory addresses
Identify and specify the major concepts and variables
Find out what is known about the relationships among those variables
Reason logically from those propositions to the specific topic of interest

3. Linking Theory and Observation Deductively: Hypothesis Testing
A hypothesis states a predicted empirical outcome
A hypothesis must be falsifiable
A hypothesis can predict a relationship or a difference
A hypothesis can be directional (one-tailed) or nondirectional (two-tailed)
A hypothesis directs how a variable will be operationalized.
Using inferential statistics, the null hypothesis presumes no difference or relationship.

4. Deductive Theory Construction (using Qualitative Research)
Starts with the observation of a communication phenomenon until patterns emerge.
The researcher states that pattern in the form of a rule statement (“If X, then Y”)
The researcher makes additional observations to discern the validity of the rule statement.
Since rules define appropriateness, the researcher also observes to identify that the pattern is criticizable.
Observations and refinement of rule statements continue until the point of saturation.