2 Existing and Emerging Methods for Integrating Theories Within
and Between Disciplines Steven E. Wallis, PhD
[email protected] Director, Foundation for the Advancement of
Social Theory Fellow, Institute for Social Innovation, Fielding
Graduate University Adjunct Faculty, Capella University Editorial
Board, Integral Review ISSS 56 th annual meeting 2012 July 15-22
San Jose, CA
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3 Research in Natural Systems / Service Systems Inductive
(begin with data and move toward theory) Deductive (begin with
theory and conduct experiments to test theory and gain more data)
Abductive (have a great insight / idea / Ah-Ha!)
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4 Research in Natural Systems / Service Systems Over-reliance
on empirical assumptions may lead to dead-end thinking. Where do
revolutions come from?
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5 Some Sources of REVOLUTIONARY Science Galileo sparked a
revolution began by comparing two contradictory theories Einstein
sparked a scientific revolution by integrating multiple
theories
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6
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7 A few methods for integration Existing Methods Ad-hoc
Cherry-picking Emerging Methods Propositional Analysis Formal
Grounded Theory Reflexive Dimensional Analysis
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8 Cherry-Picking Existing Theory #1 Concepts: A B C New Theory
#3 Concepts: A D Existing Theory #2 Concepts: D E F
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9 Ad-hoc Existing Theory #1 Concepts: A B C New Theory #3
Concepts: A D G Existing Theory #2 Concepts: D E F
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10 Why do existing methods fail to generate good, revolutionary
theory? Because we systems thinkers have been looking at each
theory as a non-systemic collection of concepts
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11 Emerging CRITICAL Metatheory Reflects The Need For Rigor Use
whole theories Understand theory as system of interrelated
propositions Seek systemic relationships
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12 Systems of Logic ATOMISTIC LINEAR CIRCULAR CONCATENATED A is
true / real / important More AMore BMore C More A More B More C
More A More B More C
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13 EXAMPLE: Propositional Analysis 1. Identify the logical
propositions. 2. Diagram the causal relationships. 3. Integrate
diagrams. 4. Identify and count the Concatenated aspects (two or
more causal influences). 5. Count the total number of aspects
(Complexity of the theory). 6. Calculate the Robustness (divide
Concatenated aspects by total aspects).
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14 Abstract Example A D C B A C C E Propositions within a
Theory Carefully Integrated A B C D E Four linear logics poorly
connected C = 5 R = 0.20 NOTE: Concatenated aspect is privileged
(emergent, Batesons dual description)
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15 By quantifying the structures of logic, we can measure the
level of systemicity THUS we have an empirical/quantitative way to
see qualitative relationships so, we can
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16 See Evolution of Theory & Changes in Complexity
Scientific Revolution Complex theories some usefulness
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17 See Relationship between Structure & Usefulness
Scientific Revolution Robust theories Very Useful
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18 Intuitive Approaches = Poor Results (Theories of Motivation)
Concepts in each theory Relatedness on Scale of Zero to One Trend
Line for Complexity Robustness remains low: Theory not very useful
in practical application Complexity declining not peaking: No
revolutionary change is indicated
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19 Existing Methods (ad-hoc, intuitive) Do not support
revolutionary thinking Emerging Systemic Methods (Critical
Metatheory) Identify Complexity & Systemicity So follow norms
of complexity & systems thinking
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20 We can better integrate theories within and between
disciplines to create theories that are more systemic, more
complex, and more likely to be effective. As did Galileo &
Einstein
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21 Questions? ~ OR ~ Proceed with LIVE Example?
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22 INTERACTION TIME! Together, we will now: 1. Choose topic
(Service? Natural?) 2. Brainstorm propositions (brainstorm rules)
3. Identify co-casual linkages 4. Build a better theory 5. Talk
about paths for revolution LIVE EXAMPLE
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23 Without Rigorous Standards We Become Biased and Our Theories
Become Simple and Weak Concepts in each theory Relatedness on Scale
of Zero to One Trend Line for Complexity 150 years until it
disappears 900 years until it becomes fully effective
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24 Some scholars go to the ad-hoc We should NOT follow them
SYSTEMS thinkers: Lets look differently at theories!
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25 To Improve, We Must Push Theories to Higher Levels of
Complexity, Systemic Interrelatedness, and Robustness
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26 To Conclude All data is theory laden empirical approaches
alone will not support revolution. We SHOULD apply rigorous methods
to analyze and integrate theories within and between disciplines.
If we are to have effective theory, that theory must be addressed
in a rigorous scientific way (Critical Integrative Metatheory)
Those methods should be applied to review submissions to
journals
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27 Many Thanks! Steven E. Wallis, Ph.D. Director, Foundation
for the Advancement of Social Theory
http://projectfast.orghttp://projectfast.org Fellow, Institute for
Social Innovation, Fielding Graduate University Adjunct Faculty,
Capella University Editorial Board, Integral Review
[email protected] Fielding Graduate University is a 501 c (3)
non-profit university of higher learning.