1. Summary
(1) The research question
By using grow models and latent class models, the authors propose and examine the conceptualization of two-dimensional agency, namely temporality and expectation. Based on the data of the Youth Development Study, the research provides convergent evidence to support the multidimensional conceptualization of agency, which can efficiently predict various life course outcomes.
(2) The main argument and the theoretical support
Though the study of expectation has a long tradition in sociology, the empirical examination of ‘life course expectations’ is missing in extant agency research. Previous research has demonstrated that belief about one’s agentic capacity necessitates an understanding of temporality …show more content…
For instance, individuals high in life course expectations (compared to those relatively low in life course expectations) in adolescence are more likely to have high hourly pay, biweekly earnings, self-rated health, self-esteem, but less likely to have financial problems and depressive affect in young …show more content…
(1) Abend’s categorization of theory (Theory1)
Strength. Abend (2008) defines ‘Theory1’ as a general proposition that establishes a relationship between two or more variables by using empirical investigations. Given that the present paper empirically examines the causality between two dimensions of agency and various life course outcomes, it fits well with the definition of Theory1. As such, the authors should hold Theory1 as the ideal type for the current study.
Critique. Abend (2008) argues that the empirical investigation must have suggested some general conclusion. In the current paper, the authors posit that their conclusions can be applied to general domains (not specific ones, e.g., Mirowsky and Ross 2007). However, the sample used in the study was collected in a single city and majority white; the homogenous sample potentially undermines the conclusions’ generalization.
(2) Mastery and expectation as two discrete dimensions
Strength. Latent class analysis provides two important insights of construct validity and predictive validity (Bergkvist and Rossiter 2007; Cronbach and Meehl
(1) The research question
By using grow models and latent class models, the authors propose and examine the conceptualization of two-dimensional agency, namely temporality and expectation. Based on the data of the Youth Development Study, the research provides convergent evidence to support the multidimensional conceptualization of agency, which can efficiently predict various life course outcomes.
(2) The main argument and the theoretical support
Though the study of expectation has a long tradition in sociology, the empirical examination of ‘life course expectations’ is missing in extant agency research. Previous research has demonstrated that belief about one’s agentic capacity necessitates an understanding of temporality …show more content…
For instance, individuals high in life course expectations (compared to those relatively low in life course expectations) in adolescence are more likely to have high hourly pay, biweekly earnings, self-rated health, self-esteem, but less likely to have financial problems and depressive affect in young …show more content…
(1) Abend’s categorization of theory (Theory1)
Strength. Abend (2008) defines ‘Theory1’ as a general proposition that establishes a relationship between two or more variables by using empirical investigations. Given that the present paper empirically examines the causality between two dimensions of agency and various life course outcomes, it fits well with the definition of Theory1. As such, the authors should hold Theory1 as the ideal type for the current study.
Critique. Abend (2008) argues that the empirical investigation must have suggested some general conclusion. In the current paper, the authors posit that their conclusions can be applied to general domains (not specific ones, e.g., Mirowsky and Ross 2007). However, the sample used in the study was collected in a single city and majority white; the homogenous sample potentially undermines the conclusions’ generalization.
(2) Mastery and expectation as two discrete dimensions
Strength. Latent class analysis provides two important insights of construct validity and predictive validity (Bergkvist and Rossiter 2007; Cronbach and Meehl