1b Introduction

• Theory, concepts, hypotheses, models

The purpose of research is to discover new knowledge about a certain phenomenon. Such new knowledge could be in terms of understanding, explaining, or predicting. In most situations, understanding, explaining and predicting go hand in hand.

Theories are the basic means for the researchers to provide understanding, explanation and prediction. Without a theory, the research will have very limited value….

The meaning of theory – and concepts

There’s no general agreement on what a theory really is. Theory is an abstract concept – and such concepts have often many definitions. We will use the following:

A theory is a set of interrelated concepts, definitions, and propositions that presents a systematic view of a phenomenon by specifying relations among concepts, with the purpose of explaining and predicting the phenomenon.

(This definition is based on Kerlinger, Fred (1973): Foundations of Behavioral Research. London: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, p 9).

Let’s look closer to this definition:

Concept

A concept is a generalized idea or a description of a phenomenon.
Concepts represent the building blocks of a theory.
Concepts are abstractions of reality, and usually non-observable.

Example: Attitude, culture, productivity

The purposes of a concept is to • Communicate • Classify/generalize
(e.g.: entry modes can be classified in export, joint venture, direct investment)

In order to fulfil these purposes, it is necessary to:

a) Present a theoretically definition
b) Based on a), present one or several operational definition

Concerning a): • The definition should include characteristics of the concept • It should be possible to distinguish the concept from other concepts • Avoid non-circular (tautological) definition

Concerning b): •