1. Concepts
Masters by Research
Core Training
18/10/17
edgehill.ac.uk

2. Outline of the session The need for concept precision
The relationship between concept and construct
The logical consequences of the ways in which we explore concepts
A worked example?
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3. Concepts
Logically developed ideas about classes of phenomena that a researcher seeks to study
Varying abstractions of reality (e.g. age…..family income…..power…)
Conceptual confusion can destroy the credibility of a piece of research

4. Concept precision (& inventiveness?)
Field specific concepts:
The meaning of family in…
Biology
Law
Social Science
Linguistics

5. Constructs
An image (or abstract idea) specifically invented for a given research or theory-building purpose.
Observable or measurable
What construct could be derived from the conceptualisation of family in the previous activity?

6. FREE WILL
A conceptual puzzle
edgehill.ac.uk

7. Developing a construct
How would you research the concept of free will?
How far does empirical work take you?
Logical consequences?