Chapter 2: Linking Methods with Theory

One of the hardest parts of research is moving beyond description to explanation. In our search for the explanation of social phenomena, we are guided by our paradigmatic frame and the types of approaches and theories that it gives rise to. In this chapter, we’ll explore the connections between paradigms, social theories, and social scientific research methods. We’ll also consider how one’s analytic, paradigmatic, and theoretical perspective might shape or be shaped by her or his methodological choices. In short, we’ll answer the question of what theory has to do with research methods.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Describe a micro-level approach to research, and provide an example of a micro-level study.
• Describe a meso-level approach to research, and provide an example of a meso-level study.
• Describe a macro-level approach to research, and provide an example of a macro-level study.
• Define paradigm, and describe the significance of paradigms.
• Identify and describe the four predominant paradigms found in the social sciences.
• Define theory.
• Describe the role that theory plays in social scientific inquiry.
• Understand how different levels of analysis and different approaches, such as inductive and deductive, can shape the way that a topic is investigated.
• Describe the inductive approach to research, and provide examples of inductive research.
• Describe the deductive approach to research, and provide examples of deductive research.
• Describe the ways that inductive and deductive approaches may be complementary.