Giele, Theory in the Dissertation,

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

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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, individualsfit
your question
5. Strive for elegance and parsimony by
reduction to key elements and connection to
the classics. Avoid epigones and total novelty.

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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

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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


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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.
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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.