1st Edition
How to Write Conceptual Papers in the Social Sciences A Practical Guide for Students
This book is a practical guide on how to write conceptual papers and use conceptual generalization as a research methodology. Divided into two parts, the book first focuses on the scientific foundation for conceptual generalization, to identify what is a conceptual model and how conceptual models can be developed. Part two focuses on how to write a winning conceptual thesis, covering conceptual generalisation and empirical generalisation, and discusses research problems and questions, and how to analyse them.
The authors cover different conceptual and analytical models to offer students a multitude of tools to visualize, interpret and uncover relationships and patterns. For example, they explore the thought experiment, analytical models, empirical causal models, analytical forms and data mining models, and outline a strategy for developing conceptual models to assist with students who wish to design their own conceptual paper. Students gain a clear understanding of the driving forces in the research process, how to define a research problem, how to analysis the problem and develop research strategies. Moving from concepts to hypotheses, the book also covers the main types of errors that may be encountered as students learn about understanding the development of models and how to develop a theory.
Also including a checklist for students, and a list of definitions and concepts, this is the ideal resource for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students, and researchers, in the social sciences.
Preface
Contents
List of figures
Part I. CONCEPTUAL GENERALIZATION
Chapter One: Conceptual Generalisations
1.1. What is a conceptual model?
1.2. How can we develop a conceptual model?
1.3. A typology and strategy for the development of conceptual models
1.4. A strategy for the development of a conceptual model
Concluding comments
Part II: HOW TO WRITE A WINNING CONCEPTUAL THESIS
Chapter 2. General considerations
2.1. Introduction
2.2. Driving forces in the research process
2.3. Knowledge development
Concluding comments
Exercises
Chapter 3. Research problems and questions
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Thorough preparation is half the solution
3.3. Problems
3.4. Problem-system
Concluding comments
Exercises
Chapter 4. Analysis of the research problem
4.1. Introduction
4.2. The start of the process of asking questions
4.3. Problem relationships
4.4. Problem solutions
Concluding comments
Exercises
Chapter 5. Our mental tools
5.1. Introduction
5.2. Constructs
5.3. Use of constructs in research
Concluding comments
Exercises
Chapter 6. Suggestions for developing research strategies
6.1. Introduction
6.2. The first step in a research strategy
6.3. What is a scientific method?
6.4. The different approaches to research
Concluding comments
Exercises
Chapter 7. The main types of errors
7.1. Introduction
7.2. Problem formulation
7.3. Models
7.4. Analysis
7.5. Synthesis
7.6. Implementation
7.7. Evaluation
Concluding comments
Exercises
Chapter 8. From concepts to hypotheses
8.1. Introduction
8.2. The purpose of concepts and hypotheses
8.3. Mental constructs
8.4. Hypothesis
Concluding comments
Exercises
Chapter 9 Types of hypotheses
9.1. Introduction
9.2. Descriptive and explanatory hypotheses
Concluding comments
Exercises
Chapter 10. Systematization
10.1. Classification
10.2. Typologization
10.3. Classification
Concluding comments
Exercises
Chapter 11. Simplification
11.1. Introduction
11.2. Phenomenon
Concluding comments
Exercises
Chapter 12. Causality
12.1. Introduction
12.2. Cause and affect
12.3. Historical causal processes
12.4. Functional causal processes
12.5. Cybernetic causal processes
12.6. Pattern-based processes
Concluding comments
Exercise
Chapter 13. Interpretation
13.1. Introduction
13.2. The interpretative process
Concluding comments
Exercises
Chapter 14. Uncovering patterns
14.1. Introduction
14.2. Typology of patterns
14.3. Uncovering patterns
Concluding comments
Exercises
Chapter 15. Understanding and explaining
15.1. Introduction
15.2. Describe, understand, explain
15.3. From data to knowledge
Exercises
Chapter 16. Development of models
16.1. Introduction
16.2. The purpose of developing models
16.3. Model types
Concluding comments
Exercises
Chapter 17. Theory development
17.1. Introduction
17.2. Developing theories
Concluding comments
Exercises
Chapter 18. Reflections
Chapter 19: Checklist
Chapter 20. Definitions of terms and concepts
Biography
Jon-Arild Johannessen is Professor in Leadership, at Kristiania University College, Norway. He has previously held professor roles at Syd-Danske University, Denmark, The Arctic University, Norway, Bodø Graduate School of Business, Norway, and Norwegian School of Management (BI). He has written more than 200 international papers on innovation, knowledge management and leadership and is a prolific author, with over 30 books under his belt. Professor Johannessen has received a number of international awards for his research.
Bjørn Olsen is Professor in Leadership at Nord University Business School. He also holds a professor position at Kristiania University college. He has previously been the Dean at Nord University Business School, and the President of Nord University. His research interest is on innovation, entrepreneurship, knowledge management and leadership. He has received international awards for his research.
