Middle-ranged Theories - The middle point in which special theories and general theories meet. Middle-range theories are concrete enough to clearly apply to phenomena of interest to a professional field like information and library science, while simultaneously abstract enough to apply to settings beyond the context in which they were developed (Poole, 1985). Special theories apply to a small range of phenomena while general theories apply to a broad range of phenomena and are highly abstract (Wildemuth, 2009).
Grounded Theory - Theory emerges simultaneously with data collection. Rather than testing as existing theory this approach begins to formulate a theory that fits the data as the data emerges (Wildemuth 2009). The grounded theory approach doesn't develop a theory, but it gives us the analysis of qualitative data. Analysis of qualitative data is usually lacking and grounded theories provide us with that data.
Powell and Connaway:
Exploratory survey - can be used to gather information with practical application even though the results can't be anticipated. There are several types of exploratory research and each have their specific functions.
- Literature surveys focus on developing hypotheses based on previous research. Most of the time they are a part of a larger study. Also considered supportive research.
- Experience surveys are surveys that gather and synthesize the experiences of specialists in a particular field. They aim to obtain insight into the relationships between variables rather than get an accurate picture of current practices. Used to gain suggestions for future research. They can also help establish priorities for research.
- Analysis of "insight-stimulating" examples is used to serve as a guide for future research. Tends to be more narrow and specific in scope.
"An exploratory study must always be regarded as simply a first step; more carefully controlled studies are needed to test whether the hypotheses that emerge have general applicability." (Ibid, pg. 65).
Purposes of descriptive surveys:
- Describe characteristics of the population of interest
- Estimate proportions in the population
- Make specific predictions
- Test associational relationships
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