Theory Building in Applied Disciplines (Publication in the Berrett-Koehler Organizational Performance) by Richard A. Swanson & Thomas J. Chermack

Author:Richard A. Swanson & Thomas J. Chermack [Swanson, Richard A.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Published: 2013-08-04T14:00:00+00:00

CONCLUSION

This chapter summarized the Confirm phase of theory building in applied disciplines. First, we reviewed general approaches and strategies for confirming or disconfirming theories; then we described the actual process. Given the vast amount of literature available concerning how to design inquiry studies, theorists should gather a variety of perspectives and detailed approaches in their paradigm area. Three general steps in the Confirm phase were discussed: (1) design the appropriate inquiry studies, (2) collect and analyze data, and (3) connect the results to the theory. We described these steps at a general level because their detailed execution depends entirely on choices made previously in the theory-building process.

We also looked at outputs and quality indicators for the Confirm phase. The core work of this phase is to assess the adequacy of the theory through rigorous inquiry studies. Ultimately, a slew of evidence for all of the relationships that wind up in the theory is required to support it and establish its fit with the real world. Finally, the theorist must make interpretations about what a confirmed theory means for working in human-made systems and how some aspect of it should be changed.

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