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Unit-3: Basic Concepts : Fact, Concept, Theory and Hypothesis
on the basis of above given definitions three important conclusions may be drawn— (1) Theories note
and concepts are based on those facts only which have been proven and validated. (2) theory is
a systematic presentation of concepts. (3) theory is an easy and good link to present our detailed
surveys/inspection in a planned manner.
Jyonesberg and Rogernet have defined scientific theory as a descriptive detailed link of examinations.
According to them all researches or inspection which are joined by meaningful theory are
representations of empirical meanings. on this basis only, Jyonesberg and rogernet have discussed
the three dimensions of theory (1) A detailed logical form or structure. (2) those generalizations
which give a experienced facts. (3) Those assumptions which are related to scientific methodology
and nature of facts.
the ‘facts’ discussed by tallcout and Paarrson related to theory is same what has been named as
‘dimensions’ by Jyonesberg and rogernet.
Paarrson has said the same thing in a statement for as, A theoretical management empirical with
reference to logical generalization of group of concepts and is interdependent.
this statement, according Parrsons again makes a control and boundary about concepts. He has said
that how can the concepts be planned ’or which concepts can be planned. for this he has given a base
that the concept should be logically interdependent. in this way all the concepts which we refer in
forming a theory should be interlinked and prove each other.
The contemporary methodologists have presented an easier form of Paarrsons definitions. Jyoneberg
and Rogernet have written that scientific theory is one of the links of detailed inspections. From a
more specific and logical viewpoint, theory is a set of statements or inter-related propositions which
are more meaningful in empirical forms. they are also very meaningful for those assumptions which
are used by a researcher in his methodology which he uses in his research and data.
The above definition also throws light on the other practical and behavioural aspects of the process
of scientific theory formation. It says that theories are empirically meaningful and are important for
those assumptions which any researcher reforms, examines, inspects and rechecks again and again.
in short it may be said that theories are based on our experiences that are logical and interdependent
too. But these experiences should be well checked and validated again and again, so that they are
able to take the form of concepts when these concepts are logically set in a planned manner, then
they are called ‘theory’.
According to J.H.turner—theory is a mental activity. it is the development process of thoughts which
explains why and how incidents or activity or situation takes place.
According to Michele Heralombus— theory is set of such kind of thoughts, that claims how anything
works.
According to World Bank—theory is a set or group of concepts which exhibit the reasonable or logical
relations between different variables. this is a generalization of various groups of facts which is
derived after being properly proven . theory is actually a method of giving an answer to the “why’s”
and “how’s” related to any problem or incidents or situations.
3.10 Meaning and Definition of Hypothesis
Hypothesis is the term given to the statement, present in the field of theory, which can be checked and
rechecked. it is also the statement between two or more variables which can be examined by experience.
Hypothesis is an accurate assumption which is done for temporary acceptance of mentioning facts
or conditions for analysis. this is also for help and guidance of further research work.Hypothesis
plays a very important role in giving scientific form to the researches. This is in fact an important
condition for successful research. to understand the meaning of hypothesis discussion on various
definitions is essential.
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