Introduction
Theories in social science play an important role in understanding human behavior, beliefs, and motivations. In particular, theories of marriage and family therapy are essential for understanding the dynamics of relationship systems. This paper will discuss the basic functions of theories in social science, focusing on theories of marriage and family therapy, using the Introduction from Smith and Hamon (2022) and Bengtson et al. (2005).
Social science theories are used to explain the world and help understand how it works (Smith & Hamon, 2022). Theories are used to develop hypotheses and test them to gain insight into human behavior. Smith and Hamon (2022) state that theories serve as a basis for formulating research questions and generating new knowledge. They are also used to organize information and guide research.
The functions of theories in social science
Theorizing is developing a theory (Bengtson et al., 2005). It involves understanding the relationships between different concepts, assumptions, and propositions. Theorizing is a process of constructing a logical and consistent system of explanation that is supported by empirical evidence. This process uses assumptions, concepts, and propositions to build a theory.
The research conducted by Blow and Sprenkle was an attempt to theorize about marriage and family therapy. They began by identifying common factors across different marriage and family therapy theories. They then used these common factors to develop their marriage and family therapy theory. This theory was based on the idea that communication, problem-solving, family dynamics, and family system concepts are necessary for a successful marriage and family therapy. The researchers then used their theory to conclude how marriage and family therapy works and what factors are necessary for successful therapy.
Inductive and deductive reasoning are two ways of reasoning that are used to develop theories (Smith & Hamon, 2022). Inductive reasoning uses observations to conclude. It involves making generalizations from specific observations. Deductive reasoning uses existing theories to conclude. It involves making specific predictions from a general theory.
The research conducted by Blow and Sprenkle is a combination of both inductive and deductive reasoning. The first step of their research process was to review the existing literature and identify any factors that had been suggested as common to marriage and family therapy theories (M. B. White & Russell, 1995). An example of inductive reasoning, as the researchers examined the existing literature and looked for patterns and connections to identify common factors. Once the common factors were identified, the next step was to conduct a modified Delphi procedure in order to refine the categories and identify additional factors (Blow & Sprenkle, 2001). An example of deductive reasoning is the researchers using their existing knowledge and the results of the literature review in order to come up with hypotheses and test them through the Delphi procedure.
Linearity is important in theory building (Simon et al., #26). Linearity refers to the idea that theories are built linearly, with each concept and assumption building on the previous one. It means that theories must be internally consistent and that each concept and assumption must logically follow the previous one.
The case study by Blow and Sprenkle is an example of linearity in research, as they followed a specific, step-by-step process to reach their conclusions. This process is outlined in the study as follows (M. B. White & Russell, 1995): “The process began with an identification of factors that have been suggested as common to marriage and family therapy theories (Blow & Sprenkle, 2001). Itwas done by searching the literature for such statements and then categorizing them into larger categories. Next, panels were convened to identify and prioritize common factors from the literature. This process was supplemented by a modified Delphi procedure to further refine the categories and to identify additional factors. A series of panels followed this to refine and prioritize the factors” (Blow & Sprenkle, 2000). This linear process of literature review, categorization, panel identification, and modified Delphi procedure was then followed by an analysis of the results and drawing conclusions.
Finally, paradigm shifts change how we understand the world (Smith & Hamon, 2022). These changes can be sudden, dramatic, or gradual and subtle. They often involve a shift in a theory’s underlying assumptions and concepts or the introduction of new concepts.
The research by Blow and Sprenkle represents a paradigm shift in the marriage and family therapy field. Before their research, there was no single, unified marriage and family therapy theory. Instead, there were many different theories and approaches that were used by different therapists (Blow & Sprenkle, 2001). The research conducted by Blow and Sprenkle provided a unified theory of marriage and family therapy that all therapists could use. This new theory was based on the idea that communication, problem-solving, family dynamics, and family system concepts are necessary for a successful marriage and family therapy. It represented a paradigm shift in marriage and family therapy, providing a unified theory that all therapists could use.
Assumptions, Concepts, & Propositions in Theory Building
The research conducted by Blow and Sprenkle was an attempt to build a theory of marriage and family therapy. As such, the researchers used assumptions, concepts, and propositions to form their theory’s basis. One of the assumptions they made was that common factors could be identified across different marriage and family therapy theories. This assumption formed the basis of their research and led to the identification of the common factors (Fletcher & Marchildon, 2014b). The researchers also identified several concepts that they believed were necessary for a successful marriage and family therapy theory. These concepts included communication, problem-solving, family dynamics, and family system concepts. Finally, the researchers identified several propositions that they believed could be used to explain how marriage and family therapy work (Blow & Sprenkle, 2001). These propositions included the idea that couples need to communicate and problem-solve effectively to have a successful marriage and family therapy experience.
In conclusion, theories in social science are essential for understanding the dynamics of relationship systems. They provide explanations of the world, generate new knowledge, and guide research. Theorizing involves developing a logical and consistent system of explanation supported by empirical evidence. Inductive and deductive reasoning are two ways of developing theories, and linearity is an important concept in theory building (Fletcher & Marchildon, 2014b). Finally, paradigm shifts are changes in the way we understand the world. Common factors across marriage and family therapy theories, such as the need for clear communication, understanding of individual and family dynamics, and respect for the couple’s autonomy, are essential for understanding the complexities of relationships.
References
Blow, A. J., & Sprenkle, D. H. (2001). COMMON FACTORS ACROSS THEORIES OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY: A MODIFIED DELPHI STUDY. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 27(3), 385–401. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-0606.2001.tb00333.x
McDowell, T. (2015). Applying Critical Social Theories to Family Therapy Practice (AFTA SpringerBriefs in Family Therapy) (2015th ed.). Springer.
White, J. M., Martin, T. F., & Adamsons, K. (2019). Family Theories: An Introduction (5th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.
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