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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 5-19 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | BMS Bulletin of Sociological Methodology/ Bulletin de Methodologie Sociologique |
Volume | 109 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 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