Problem
To conduct the doctoral research project, students should have a clear understanding of the role of theory in the field of Social Science. According to Kaplan (1964), Strong theory explains organizational phenomena and provides answers to why and how they occur (Kaplan, 1964). Your research paper should have a theory, and you will test the theory empirically. This week's assignment focuses on learning what is and is not theory.
Sutton, R. I., &. Staw, B. M. (1995). What theory is not. Administrative Science Quarterly, 40(3), 371-384.
Heath, C., & Sitkin, S. B. (2001). Big-b versus big-o: What is organizational about organizational behavior? Journal of Organizational Behavior, 22 (1), 43-58.
You can download these articles:
What Theory is Not
Big-B vs. Big-O.pdf Big-B vs. Big-O.pdf - Alternative Formats
IMPORTANT: A reaction paper is different from a summary paper. Integrate the above assigned articles with your ideas. Create seven level-2 subtitles (Theoretical Claim, Underlying Assumptions, Contributions, Interesting Ideas, Differences in Argument, Empirical Evidence, Article Fit) answering the questions below:
a) What is the author's theoretical claim?
b) What are the underlying assumptions of the theory?
c) What is the main contribution of this paper?
d) What are the interesting ideas?
e) What are the critical differences between this author's argument and others you have read? Can these differences be resolved through an empirical test? What would that study look like?
f) Does the empirical evidence support the theory?
g) How does this paper fit with the other assigned articles?