Article: Whetten, What constitutes a theoretical contribution?

6 important questions on Article: Whetten, What constitutes a theoretical contribution?

What is the difference between propositions and hypotheses?

Propositions involve concepts, whereas hypotheses require measures.

Where do theoretical insights come from?

Demonstrating how the addition of a new variable significantly alters our understanding of the phenomena by reorganizing our causal maps

What are the three broad themes that underlie the judging of improvements?

- Proposed improvements addressing only a single element of an existing theory are seldom (zelden) judged to be sufficient
-  Theoretical critiques should marshal compelling evidence
- In general, theoretical critiques should propose remedies or alternative
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Explain more about Proposed improvements addressing only a single element of an existing theory are seldom (zelden) judged to be sufficient  and how this can be changed/

- therefore a general rule of thumb is that critiques should focus on multiple elements of the theory. – this approach adds the qualities of completeness and thoroughness to theoretical work.

Explain more about :; theoretical critiques should propose remedies or alternative

- although we can think of classic critiques in the history of science that stood on their own merits, the typical debate in our field is less clear cut. – consequently, critis should share responsibility for crafting improved conceptualizations. – otherwise it is difficult to know whether the original is indeed inferior, or simply the best we can do in a very complex world.

Where do reviewers also focus on with theory-development?

- clarity of expression
- impact on research
- timeliness
- relevance

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