What is theory Klein

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What is theory? Klein White Chapter 1

• Carolyn S. Wilken, Ph.D., M.P.H.

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Scientific Theory

• An explanation of how some aspect of the world
  works
• Systematically related propositions that are
  empirically testable (Rudner, 1966)

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Empirical Knowledge Builds Theory

• Assumptions
• Concepts
• Propositions
• Hypothesis
• Data

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Assumptions

• The child plays an active role in an ever
  widening world
• The relationship between child and environment is
  reciprocal
• The solutions to developmental issues lie within
  and beyond the system of existence

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Concepts

• The basic building blocks on which the theory is
  built.
• Microsystem
• Mesosystem
• Exosystem
• Macrosystem

• Family
• School
• Parenting
• Neighborhood
• Dyadic relationship
• Triadic relationship
• Interaction
• Shared values

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Propositions

• Relationships between concepts.
• Concept X is related to Concept Y

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Hypothesis

• Prediction as to the direction and strength of
  the relationships between concepts as stated by
  the proposition
• Direct
• Inverse
• Indirect

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Direct Relationship

X
Y
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Inverse Relationship

X
Y
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Indirect Relationship

Y
Z
X
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Data

• Data Needed to Empirically Test Theory
• The event must have occurred
• Must be observed in a replicable way
• The record of this data when combined with
  similar records leads to broader understanding

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Microsystem

• Definition
• Situation where child has face-to-face contact
  with influential others

• Family
• School
• Peer group
• Church

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Microsystem

• Propositions
• Level of regard directly impacts childs
  development
• Exposure to diversity in roles influences childs
  development

• Hypothesis

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Mesosystem

• Definition
• Relationships between microsystems connections
  between situations

• Home-School
• Home Church
• School-Neighborhood

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Mesosystem

• Propositions
• Level of respect between settings influences
  childs development
• Consistency in values between settings influences
  childs development

• Hypothesis

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Exosystem

• Definition
• Settings in which the child does not participate
  but where significant decisions are made
  impacting child

• Parents work
• School board
• Parents peer group

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Exosystem

• Propositions
• Child/family friendly policies influence
  development of child

• Hypothesis

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Macrosystem

• Definition
• Blueprints for defining and organizing the
  institutional life of the society

• Religion
• Culture
• Society

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Macrosystem

• Propositions
• Discrimination impacts the development of the
  child

• Hypothesis