Matrix Assisted Structural Hypothesis Construction

Erik H. Cohen, Charles Tresser

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    1 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    This paper outlines a novel process for designing a structural hypothesis. Relevant factors in a study are identified and micro-hypotheses are enunciated in a matrix format. Levels of similarity are assigned to each pair of factors. Multi-dimensional scaling techniques are used to graphically portray the matrix. The example of ‘‘Quality of Life’’ (QoL) is used to illustrate the proposed matrix approach to generate a structural hypothesis. A Smallest Space Analysis (SSA) of the hypothetical Quality of Life matrix shows a structure in which four polar regions surround a central region representing ‘‘general’’ QoL. This clear and logical structure of the hypothesized correlation matrix is a strong first confirmation that the approach allows for a detailed, systematic and theoretically based mode of reasoning and didactics. Additionally, the structure found here corresponds to a previous SSA analysis based on empirical Quality of Life data.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)5-19
    Number of pages15
    JournalBMS Bulletin of Sociological Methodology/ Bulletin de Methodologie Sociologique
    Volume109
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Jan 2011

    Keywords

    • Analyse du plus petit espace
    • Facet Theory
    • Hypothèse structurale
    • Life Facets
    • Matice
    • Matrix
    • Quality of Life
    • Qualité de vie
    • Smallest Space Analysis
    • Structural Hypothesis
    • Théorie des facettes

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