1. Giele, Theory in the Dissertation, 10-9-06 1 THEORY IN THE DISSERTATION Professor Janet Zollinger Giele Heller School, Brandeis University October 9, 2006

2. Giele, Theory in the Dissertation, 10-9-06 2 OUTLINE I.The nature of theory II.Three main types of theory III.Quantitative or qualitative expression IV.Finding “your” theory V.Writing: Theory in the proposal and the dissertation VI.References

3. Giele, Theory in the Dissertation, 10-9-06 3 I. The nature of theory Serves as a map Main elements: –An outcome (dependent variable) –contributing factors (indep vars) –Statement of relationship Defining characteristics –Parsimony, generalizabilitiy

4. Giele, Theory in the Dissertation, 10-9-06 4 II. Main types of theory Focus on figure, ground, or interaction, e. g.: –heredity of individual –environmental influences, –interaction of the two Work of Stinchcombe: –Demographic –Functional –Historicist

5. Giele, Theory in the Dissertation, 10-9-06 5 III a. Quantitative expression Quantitative method (when counting, weighing, and relative magnitude are important) population-based Theory is a “model” that takes mathematical form: [outcome]=[constant] +[independent variables] Y = K + b 1 X 1 + b 2 X 2 + b 3 X 3 …+ b j X j

6. Giele, Theory in the Dissertation, 10-9-06 6 III b. Qualitative expression Qualitative method (when symbol, metaphor, meaning, and reasons for action are important) individual-based Theory is a “grammar” that links agent, purpose, means, and scene to action (K. Burke) Act = agent + purpose + means +scene

7. Giele, Theory in the Dissertation, 10-9-06 7 IV. FINDING “YOUR” THEORY 1.Be clear on your question 2.Relate your theory to your method (numbers or words) 3.Review the literature for main theories relevant to your question 4.Pay attention to which levels of theory— society, institutions, groups, individuals—fit your question 5.Strive for elegance and parsimony by reduction to key elements and connection to the classics. Avoid epigones and total novelty.

8. Giele, Theory in the Dissertation, 10-9-06 8 V a. Theory in the Dissertation Ch. 2 of a 6-chapter dissertation: 1.Background and Significance of Problem 2.Theory, model, hypotheses 3.Methods 4.Findings (descriptive) 5.Findings (explanatory) 6.Research and Policy Implications

9. Giele, Theory in the Dissertation, 10-9-06 9 V b. Theory in the Proposal Section 2 of a 35-45 pp. proposal 1.Background and Significance of Problem 2.Theories in the literature, your synthesis, your model or conceptual framework (7-8pp.) 3.Methods 4.Expected trends or patterns and plan of analysis 5.Research and Policy Implications

10. Giele, Theory in the Dissertation, 10-9-06 10 VI. WRITING ABOUT THEORY Numbers-based studies (Quant) –Enrich the theory section of the proposal after writing the findings chapters. Be open to how the theory needs to be enlarged or revised and make the changes. Text-based studies (Qual) –What is working or not about your theory? Modify in light of themes. Do you have a new question? Revise the analysis accordingly.

11. Giele, Theory in the Dissertation, 10-9-06 11 Selected References Blalock, Hubert M. Theory construction; from verbal to mathematical formulations. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall. 1969. Burke, Kenneth. A grammar of motives. New York: Prentice-Hall, 1954, c1945. Stinchcombe, Arthur L. Constructing social theories. New York: Harcourt, Brace & World. 1968.