DEFINITION: THEORY: as a set of interrelated concepts, definitions, and propositions that present a systematic view of phenomena for the purpose of explaining and predicting phenomena.

•  Theory has definitions of how concepts are measured or observed
• Theory provides a framework to organize ideas for understanding and help us predict outcomes under given conditions
•  Theories are generated by using inductive processes. These processes lead to predictions about observed phenomena.
• A deductive approach is used to evaluate and modify existing theory by testing predictions about relationships between observed phenomena.

• Theoretical framework: provides a structure and rationale for predictions about the relationships between the concepts in a study.

• An observable item or behavior, measurable, an experienced referent
• Formed by generalizing from particular characteristics
• The basis for refining ideas and developing theory

• Relationships emerge as you examine concepts
• If a concept is invariable it may be related to laws
• If a concept is tentative or inconclusive is would be related to an hypothesis

• not something that you can measure directly
• formed by putting together associated concepts
• also used to develop theory
• can also have relationships between constructs, or between concepts and constructs

 DEFINITION: PROPOSITIONS: statements that link concepts, govern relationships between concepts (and/or constructs), and gives structure to those relationships
 

DEFINITION: HYPOTHESIS: a prediction about the relationship between two or more variables based on a theory and concepts

• An hypothesis does not convey truth or falsity
•  Variables must be defined conceptually and operationally.
 
 
• Conceptual Definition: conveys the general meaning of the concept.

 
• Operational definition: translates the conceptual definition into events, objects, behaviors or verbalizations that can be measured for the study.
• Once the construct is operationalized (made measurable) it is termed a variable.