Primer in Theory Construction

by Paul D. Reynolds

A Primer in Theory Construction is for those who have already studied one or more of the social, behavioral, or natural sciences, but have no formal introduction to the way theories are constructed, stated, tested, and connected together to form a scientific body of knowledge. The author discusses scientific theories in general terms, but also addresses the special challenges of developing scientific knowledge about social and human phenomena.

This Allyn and Bacon Classics Edition contains the complete text of the original copyright 1971 version, with new typography and page design.

208 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1971

Reviews

[morbidxmagpie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential read for anyone interested in social science theory. Far ahead of its time (e.g. his discussion on NHST) and one of the rare few books on social science metatheory, i.e. how and why to do theory.

[Angela · Rating 1 out of 5]

Respectfully, **** this book

[Rebecca Del Rossi · Rating 5 out of 5]

😵‍💫😵‍💫 take a PhD class they said, it’ll be fun they said (only I said that) (and yes I am having fun even tho my head hurts)

[Melissa Lee-Tammeus · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to read this for a research class for my PhD program. Reading is an overstatement. I merely skimmed this, because reading this is just too much to ask. Yes, this will be helpful when dissertation time rears its ugly head, but a walk in the park it is not.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dated. Very. The language was not very readable, and the explanations were thick and difficult. The examples were good - rereading the explanations after studying the examples helped. I did not find this text to help me with my coursework - I looked for supplemental material to fill in the gaps.

[Bryan Fencl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for the lighthearted. Reynolds gives a construct for understanding a theory.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

boring academic read.