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27 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Theory |
often focusing on just one cause at a time |
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Theories explain variation |
-longitudinal variation (over time) -cross-sectional variation (across units at one point in time) |
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Theories generate testable hypotheses |
expectations of what will happen, or observable implications |
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Theories take different forms in different disciplines |
disciplines build theory from different foundational assumptions |
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Induction |
building up theory from pieces of empirical evidence and observation |
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Deduction |
starting from initial ideas or logical principles and then testing these with empirical observations |
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Where do theories come from? |
important caution about induction -You can't test an inductive theory with the same set of facts used to create the theory |
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Theories, norms, and values |
-scientific theories are positive -Not normative |
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Modifiable variables |
causes of an outcome that we can influence |
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Nonmodifiable variables |
cannot be changed by policy or practice |
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What is a model? |
a graphical or mathematical representation of -variables -relationships
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Variables |
They vary-that can take on different values or assume different attributes -observable and measurable |
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Relationships |
That show how change in one variable produces change in another variable |
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Theoretical model |
x y indep. ----> dep. |
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Casual mechanisms |
the process by which change in x is presumed to cause change y |
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positive relationship |
high values of X are presumed to result in high values of Y |
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Negative relationship |
high values of X tend to occur with low values of Y |
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Unit of analysis |
the objects or things described by the variables in a model -the major entity that is being analyzed in the study -It is the what or whom that's being studied |
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Logic models |
-program theories -outcome-sequence charts -theories of change |
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Graphical models often include |
-inputs -activities -outputs -outcomes (short/long-term) |
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Usefulness of a logic model |
-helps identify previously unrecognized variables to track as performance indicators
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cont. |
helps in planning the design of a program evaluation |
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cont. |
suggests logical weak links in a program |
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Tips for creating a logic model |
1. start with single outcome (Y) 2. add single X variable 3. Put the program (X) on the left and outcome (Y) on right 4. add intervening variables between x and y |
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cont. tips |
5. distinguish causal chains from separate paths 6. look for kings that need explanation 7. give nondirectional names to variables -/+ 8. make sure there's not too much/little detail |
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Theories of the independent variable |
consider possible common causes of both x and y |
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Moderator (interaction) |
a variable that influence the relationship between two other variables |
