Chapter 3 Theory Building

19

Chapter 3 Theory Building

True-False Questions
F 1.

As a first step in applying the scientific method, we must state a hypothesis.

F 2.

As a first step in applying the scientific method, we should explain what we have
learned during our research.

T 3.

A hypothesis is a proposition that is empirically testable.

T 4.

In most scientific situations, there are alternative theories to explain certain classes of
phenomena.

F 5.

Prediction and forecasting are the two purposes of theory.

F 6.

Deductive reasoning is the logical process of establishing a general proposition on the

basis of observation of particular facts.

T 7.

Inductive reasoning is the logical process of establishing a general proposition on the

basis of observation of particular facts.

F 8.

Inductive reasoning is the logical process of deriving a conclusion from a known

premise or something known to be true.

T 9.

Propositions are statements concerned with relationships among concepts.

T 10.

A hypothesis is a proposition that is concerned with the relationship among variables.

T 11.

The scientific method refers to techniques or procedures that are used to analyze
empirical evidence in an attempt to confirm or disprove prior conceptions.

T 12.

Deductive reasoning is the logical process of deriving a conclusion from a known

premise or something known to be true.

F 13.

Things are the essence of theory, not ideas.

F 14.

Propositions are statements concerned with concepts described in isolation.

T 15.

In management theory, "leadership," "productivity," and "morale" are concepts that

abstract reality.

T 16.

The purpose of science is to expand knowledge and to discover truth.

Chapter 3 Theory Building

20

T 17.

Prediction and understanding are the two purposes of theory.

T 18.

Theory development is essentially a process of describing and explaining phenomena

and relationships at increasingly higher levels of abstraction.

F 19.

The process of empirical verification can be done separately from the process of theory
development.

T 20.

A coherent set of general propositions is an essential aspect of the definition of theory.

F 21.

Theory generation can occur at the conceptual level, but not at the empirical level.

T 22.

At the conceptual level, theory can be developed using deductive reasoning.

Multiple Choice Questions

D 1.
43

A(n)
A.
B.
C.
D.

is a proposition that is empirically testable.

ladder of abstraction
variable
concept
hypothesis

B 2.
43

The idea that a theory is empirically testable means that it be verified by:
A.
a computer.
B.
observation and experiments.
C.
Zen.
D.
none of the above.

C 3.
48

The text presents the following quote from the book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle
Maintenance: "In Part One of formal scientific method...the main skill is in stating
absolutely no more than you are positive you know." This describes which step in
applying the scientific method?
A.
Analysis and evaluation of data
B.
Providing explanation and stating new problems raised by the research
C.
Assessment of relevant existing knowledge
D.
Designing the research to test the hypothesis

C 4.
41

The two purposes of theory are:

A.
empirical testing and description.
B.
description and prediction.
C.
prediction and understanding.
D.
understanding and testing.

Chapter 3 Theory Building

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A 5.
41

Which of the following is NOT true about theories?

A.
The main purpose of theory is description.
B.
Concepts abstract reality.
C.
Theories are used as principles of explanation of apparent relationships of
certain observed phenomena.
D.
Theories, once verified, allow for prediction.

B 6.
48

Which of the following is NOT a step involved in the application of the scientific
method?
A.
Statement of hypotheses
B.
Purchase of computer software to analyze data
C.
Assessment of relevant existing knowledge
D.
Analysis and evaluation of data

B 7.
41

A(n)
is a coherent set of general propositions used as principles of explanation of
the apparent relationship of certain observed phenomena.
A.
concept
B.
theory
C.
abstraction ladder
D.
hypothesis

D 8.
47

Deductive reasoning is:

A.
the logical process of establishing a general proposition on the basis of
observation of particular facts.
B.
the logical process of inducing individuals to reason.
C.
the logical process of linking propositions via the ladder of abstraction.
D.
the logical process of deriving a conclusion from a known premise or
something known to be true.

C 9.
43

Consider the following two statements: (a) reinforcements will increase habit strength
and (b) bonus pay will be associated with sales volume consistently above the quota.
Statement (a) is a(n)
and statement (b) is a(n) .
A.
concept, proposition
B.
concept, hypothesis
C.
proposition, hypothesis
D.
hypothesis, proposition

B 10.
47

Consider this statement: "All Business Research students who have ever been seen are
human beings. Therefore, we conclude that all Business Research students are human
beings." This is an example of:
A.
a variable.
B.
inductive reasoning.

Chapter 3 Theory Building

C.
D.

22

the ladder of abstraction.

deductive reasoning.

A 11.
47

Inductive reasoning is:

A.
the logical process of establishing a general proposition on the basis of
observation of particular facts.
B.
the logical process of inducing individuals to reason.
C.
the logical process of linking propositions via the ladder of abstraction.
D.
the logical process of deriving a conclusion from a known premise or
something known to be true.

D 12.
47

Consider this statement: "All Business Research students are human beings. Sally
Jones is a Business Research student, therefore we conclude that Sally is a human
being." This is an example of:
A.
a variable.
B.
inductive reasoning.
C.
the ladder of abstraction.
D.
deductive reasoning.

Fill in the Blank

1.

In comparing two theories, researchers gather empirical data in an attempt to ______

the theories.
verify

2.

The term ________ means that something is verifiable by observation, experience, or

experimentation.
empirical

3.

The logical process of deriving a conclusion from a known premise or something

known to be true is called
.
deductive reasoning

4.

The two purposes of theory are

and

prediction, understanding
5.

The term
variable

refers to anything that may be measured.

Chapter 3 Theory Building

6.

23

As it moves up the _____ _____ _____ , a basic concept becomes more abstract,
wider in scope, and less amenable to measurement. (Answer could be several words).
ladder of abstraction

7.

The logical process of establishing a general proposition on the basis of observation of

particular facts is called
.
inductive reasoning

8.

Only when we explain how concepts are related to other concepts can we begin to
construct ________.
theories

9.

The term

refers to statements concerned with the relationships among concepts.

propositions
10.

A(n)
is a generalized idea about a class of objects, attributes, occurrences, or
processes that has been given a name.
concept (construct)

11.

A(n)
is a proposition that is empirically testable.
hypothesis

12.

A(n)
is a coherent set of propositions used as principles of explanation of the
apparent relationships of certain observed phenomena.
theory

13.

The
refers to the level of knowledge reflecting that which is verifiable by
experience or observation.
empirical level

14.

The
is the use of a set of prescribed procedures for establishing and connecting
theoretical statements about events and for predicting events yet unknown.
scientific method