CMN 336 – Readings NotesChapter 2 – Providing Theoretical Frameworks - Pgs. 53-61, 84-88CMN 336 – Readings NotesChapter 2 – Providing Theoretical Frameworks - Pgs. 53-61, 84-88The Definition of Theory An abstract system of concepts with indication of the relationships among these concepts that help us understand a phenomenon such as family comm. A type of framework that helps us sort out the separate bits of our behavior and quilt them together in some meaningful way. Ex: Theory might offer a general pattern that would explain elements of the communication in families Although these families differ in many ways, theoretical links may be found in issues such as Stress, Autonomy, Intimacy that would generalize across their diff demographics and circumstances. Implicit theory: Explanations we carry in our head- Using knowledge from past to make a prediction The Goals of Theory Explanation  Understanding Prediction Social Change Theories as Tools for Studying Family Communication Intellectual TraditionsNeo-positivist- cause and effect (quantitative) - Positivistic/empirical approach: assumes that there are objective truths that can be uncovered about family interaction- Interpretive/hermeneutic approach: interpretive or hermeneutic tradition views truth assubjective and co-created by the participants- Critical approach: argues that theories exist to bring values to the surface where they can be challenged and changed. The Positivistic/Empirical Approach Assumes that there are objective truths that can be uncovered about family interaction, and the process of inquiry that discovers these truths can be at least somewhat value neutral. Advocates methods of the natural sciences, with the goal of constructing general laws governing human interactions. - Researcher strives to be objective The Interpretive/Hermeneutic Approach Tradition views truth as subjective and co-created by the participants. Researcher is clearly a participant.  No effort to be objective bcus they think it’s impossible Researcher need to be aware of families is value and clearly state them for a reader Ex: researcher collects stories stories from each of the three family members about some of their daily routines.  The Critical Approach Theories exist to bring values to the surface where they can be challenged and changed.  Researchers believe that those in power shape knowledge in ways that work to perpetuate the status quo. Thus, powerful ppl work at keeping themselves in power, which requires silencing minority voices questioning the distribution of power and the powerful’s version of the truth. Quantitative methods: Gather observations that can be quantified (converted to numbers) and then analyze the numbers in order to make an argumentQualitative methods: Help researchers understand how people make sense of their experience. Four methods to study families  Surveys – Quantitative Death Interviews – Qualitative Experiments – Quantitative  Textual Analysis – Qualitative  TriangulationOr approaching the question with more than one