Family Theory: RAT Introduction

What are the functions of theory?

Theories have a variety of functions in helping us to generate knowledge about families. Stan Knapp identifies the "generative" capacity of family theory in each of the following five functions: descriptive function, sensitizing function, integrative function, explanatory function, value function

How do we evaluate theories

We evaluate theories through a number of different values and qualities, for example, the richness of ideas, clarity of concepts, coherence of connections, simplicity or parsimony, clarity of theoretical assumptions

What is theory?

A theory is a tool used to understand and describe the world. More specifically, a theory is a general framework of ideas and how they relate to each other. A theory is based on assumptions that should be composed of clearly defined concepts that fit together in the form of propositions

Why study family theory

The family is certainly the most important and enduring of all human social groupings. Nothing affects our personalities and happiness more than our family relationships. Each theory brings us closer to understanding and being able to make positive change where needed in family life

Where do theories come from?

Theories are formed slowly over time. Most times they start out as a general idea and through deductive reasoning, questions are created, and research is done based on the questions. Then through inductive reasoning conclusions are reached about the general idea/theory.

Sensitizing function

can help us be aware of processes, events, and phenomena that we may not have otherwise noticed. It sensitizes us to matters that we might have missed without calling our attention to them.

integrative function

helps us to make connections between events or processes that appear to be quite distinct and unrelated. It identifies the interrelatedness of disparate concepts and propositions, tying together ideas in a way in order to make sense of the data

explanatory function

is to explain data. It attempts to answer the questions "how' and "why," or why do things happen as they do? It also attempts to make predictions about phenomena that can be tested in future research

Simplicity or parsimony

referes to the need to weigh a theory's simplicity against its effectiveness and utility. Does the theory express its ideas parsimoniously without being too redutionistic?

Coherence of connections among concepts

refers to the ability of the concepts to logically or intuitively relate well to one another. How easy is it to see the relationships between theoretical concepts?

richness of ideas

refers to the general appeal that a theory offers to its user. Is the theory original? Does it offer the depth and unique understanding for which a scholar is looking?

clarity of theoretical assumptions and presuppositions

relates to how well the originators of the theory have conveyed their philosophy of science and their assumptions about family relationships. What are the authors' underlying assumptions about human behavior and family dynamics?

clarity of concepts

relates to the extent to which concepts are well defined. are the concepts clear and distinctive enough from each other that scholars are able to communicate about them with each other

Value function

the values embedded in theoretical assumptions, descriptions of concepts, and the like advocate for certain value stances. Thus, it is important to be aware of the underlying values espoused within a particular theory

Descriptive function

theories help to name, classify, and organize phenomena in such a way that we can understand them. By articulating basic concepts and the relationship between events, theory helps us to describe what we hope to study