Question

Your authors present terms that are used in theory construction. Some of those terms are concepts, variables, statements and hypotheses. Explain how those words are related to one another.

Use a specific theory to illustrate the relationship. In other words, identify a theory; from that theory identify a concept and variables. From those variables develop a statement and a hypothesis.

Answer 1

Ans-

Concept- We say Concept is like a Mental images or perceptions that summarizes similar ideas, observations or feeling . it is highly subjective as their understanding varies from person to person e.g
“This food is excellent "
“I Think the show is wonderful
“The guidance counselling is effective
We are providing a quality of education to our students”

Concepts may not be measurable; it should be operationalized in measurable terms so that extent of variation in respondent’s understanding is reduced if not eliminated.

Normal (?) science deals with concepts that are well defined and to great extent standardized measures (e.g.speed, distance, volume,weight, size, etc.) Thus, our goal is that our measurements of the different concepts are valid or match as much as possible the “real” world.

Variable -  

An image, perception or concept that is capable of measurement hence capable of taking on different values. A Concept that can be measured. Something that varies. A symbol which numerical or values are attached. Characteristic or phenomenon that may take on different values; variables must vary .e.g gender( male, female).

Concepts and Variables-  

Concepts are mental images or perceptions and therefore their meanings vary remarkably from individual to individual. Variables are measurable concepts with varying degree of accuracy. Measurability is the main difference between concept and variable.

It is important for the concepts to be converted into variables as they can be subjected to measurement.

Operationalize how it will be measured Identifying indicators a set of criteria reflective of the conceptnwhich can be converted into variables.

example- RICH(concept)- INCOME & ASSETS(indicator)- INCOME PER YEAR(variable)

Types of Variables-

Independent Variable- the cause to be responsible for bringing about change in a phenomenon or situation. It is the variable which is selected, manipulated,and measured by the researcher.

Extraneous Variable- several other factors operating in a real-life situation may affect changes in the dependent variable.

Intervening Variable- sometimes called the confounding variable.

Hypothesis- A hypothesis states a presumed relationship between two variables in a way that can be tested with empirical data. It may take the form of a cause-effect statement, or an "if x,...then y" statement. The cause is called the independent variable; and the effect is called the dependent variable.

it Is written in such a way that it can be proven or disproven by valid and reliable data.

• The formulation of the hypothesis provide a study with focus. It tells you what specific aspects of a research problem to investigate.
• A hypothesis tells you that data to collect and what not to collect, thereby providing focus.
• As it provides a focus, the construction of a hypothesis enhances objectivity in a study.
• A hypothesis may enable you to add to the formulation of theory. It enables you to specifically conclude what is true or what is false.

In a direct or positive relationship, the values of both variables increase together or decrease together. That is, if one increases in value, so does the other; if one decreases in value, so does the other. In an inverse or negative relationship, the values of the variables change in opposite directions. That is, if the independent variable increases in value, the dependent variable decreases; if the independent variable decreases in value, the dependent variable increases.