CHAPTER 6 Confirm Phase Chapter Outline Introduction What

CHAPTER 6 Confirm Phase

• • Chapter Outline Introduction What is confirmation? Inputs to confirming theories Approaches to confirming theories The Confirm Phase of Theory Building Outputs of the Confirm Phase Quality Indicators for the Confirm Phase Conclusion

Introduction

What is Confirmation? Confirmation is the investigation of theory, in operation, to determine its accuracy.

Inputs to Confirming Theories • • A set of concepts Relationships specified Measurement criteria specified An instance in which to study theory in action ……. in a word, it is: Research!

Approaches to Confirming Theories • Quantitative • Qualitative • Mixed Methods

The Confirm Phase of Theory Building

Outputs of the Confirm Phase • A judgment about the accuracy and adequacy of theory. • Multiple instances of evidence (at least two) to support the judgment. • Interpretation of what the judgment about theory means for using it in practice.

Quality Indicators for the Confirm Phase • Comprehensiveness – The complete theory and all of its relationships are studied. • Empirical Validity – Experiments support theory or show where it is lacking. • Practicality – The utility of theory for practitioners trying to solve the same or or similar problems.

Conclusion • The Confirm Phase requires the investigation of theory and enough evidence to make sound judgments about its accuracy and utility. • This can take years to complete – usually it results in modifications to increase the fit and utility of theory.