1. Major Meta Theory Schools: The Objectivist View
The Positivist Perspective: generalizations apart from observable reality considered unacceptable
Logical Positivism: statements not describing facts are metaphysical and meaningless
Logical Atomism: statements also are
meaningful if they are composed of
simpler statements that describe
empirical facts
Logical Empiricism: metaphysical
statements acceptable if they
promote understanding empirical statements
Slide 3.1

2. Major Meta Theory Schools: The Subjectivist View
Associated with:
Phenomenology: immersion of oneself in the flow of experience
Slide 3.2

3. Major Meta Theory Schools: Critical Theorist View
Although an objective reality exists, understanding it involves recognizing
that there are two faces of reality:
an intransitive dimension that is the actual structure of events
a transitive dimension that consists of our understanding of reality.
Slide 3.3

4. Major Meta Theory Schools: The Constructivists
Constructivism: understanding of reality constructed by the individual’s encounter with the world and the individual’s set of personal constructs or expectations
Slide 3.4

5. Relations Among Definitions
Conceptual Definitions
< Constructs
Operational Definitions
< Selection of Variables
Slide 3.5