Grounded Theory is an inductive social science research method that creates and revises a theory from collected written data, without testing a hypothesis. It is qualitative and relies on subjective observations, and uses coding and categorization to develop a theory based on recurring concepts. The researcher should enter with a neutral mindset and collect written […]
Optimal control theory is a mathematical optimization technique used in science and engineering to determine control policies. It uses various methods of analysis to determine the parameters of a system and is useful for solving continuous-time optimization problems. The theory can be derived using Pontryagin’s maximum principle or the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation. Examples of its use […]
The hydrodynamic theory explains tooth sensitivity caused by exposure of dentin, which is prevented by enamel and cementum. Abrasion of teeth and exposure to acidic items can cause sensitivity, but it is usually fleeting and can be treated with certain products and procedures. The hydrodynamic theory addresses the reasons why some people’s teeth become sensitive […]
The Grand Unified Theory (GUT) aims to describe the interaction between the four fundamental forces of nature, with string theory seen as the best prospect. The Theory of Everything (TEP) would merge the Standard Model, general relativity, and quantum mechanics, with string theory research describing a ground state of matter. However, the biggest challenge is […]
Criminal justice theory has four main philosophies: punishment, retribution, deterrence, and reform. Punishment and retribution aim to punish offenders, while deterrence and reform aim to prevent future crimes. Critics argue that punishment and retribution have no practical benefit, while deterrence theory involves heavy penalties and may not significantly reduce crime. Reform theory aims to transform […]
Endogenous growth theory suggests that technological change is driven by economic incentives and can be augmented by investment in human capital and intellectual property protections. It also implies that government and private sector policies can have a long-term impact on growth. An endogenous growth theory is the type of theory developed primarily by economist Paul […]
Contract theory in economics involves communication between an agent and principal to ensure a clear understanding of needs and abilities. It is used to ensure adequate rewards for the agent. Asymmetric information and moral hazard are also factors. Contracts can be complete or incomplete. Within the realm of economics, contract theory has to do with […]
Information theory quantifies and compresses data without degrading its integrity. Claude E. Shannon’s work laid the groundwork for efficient data transmission. It is used in fields such as quantum computing, data analytics, and cryptography. ZIP files and compressed audio and video files are examples of its application. Information theory enables modern devices and technological advances, […]
A case theory is a clear statement used by lawyers to organize their thoughts and arguments in court. It helps present a compelling case with a favorable outcome. Without it, a case may appear weak and unclear. To formulate a case theory, lawyers brainstorm and consider relevant facts, laws, and emotional factors. The theory of […]
Inoculation theory, developed by William J. McGuire in the 1950s, explains how people reinforce their beliefs and attitudes by being exposed to weak versions of counterarguments, allowing them to formulate stronger arguments. This theory is used in advertising, rhetoric, and medical practice to help patients make positive healthcare choices. Inoculation theory is a theory in […]
Equity theory states that people are more motivated when their compensation matches their efforts. The theory includes factors such as input and output, as well as human perception of what is equal. It applies to various relationships, including the workplace and emotional gratification. The theory explains that people strive for balance and equality. Equity theory […]
The Uncanny Valley Theory suggests that as robots become more human-like, people become more attracted to them until they become almost human, causing fear or revulsion. The theory was proposed by Masahiro Mori in 1970 and may have an evolutionary basis. Some science fiction authors have played on the idea of creepy quasi-humans. Robotics developers […]
Modern economic theory looks beyond production and invisible hand theory, examining demand, money supply, and free trade. Classical economics focused on resource allocation. Keynesianism emphasizes government intervention to stimulate demand. Money supply economics uses central banks to control inflation and manage growth. Free trade is necessary for a thriving economy. Modern economic theory tends to […]
Community development theory studies how to move a community from a lower to a higher economic level. It can focus on child development, public spaces, and overall economic prosperity. External analysis is often conducted by government agencies or universities to understand the effect of economic policy. Community development theory is often a study conducted within […]
The Simulation Argument suggests that our world may be a computer simulation run by a more advanced race. The argument assumes it’s possible for advanced races to run ancestor simulations, and if the number of simulated worlds exceeds real worlds, it’s rational to assume we are in a simulated world. As computing power and data […]
Leadership theories aim to identify specific qualities that distinguish leaders from followers. The Great Man, Trait, Contingency, Situational, Behavioral, and Participative theories are common. The Big Man theory assumes leadership skills are intrinsic, while Trait theory believes some people are born with leadership qualities. Situational and contingency theories focus on environmental variables, while Behavioral theory […]
The Austrian business cycle theory claims that manipulating interest rates can cause economic booms and crashes. The Federal Reserve can lower rates to stimulate the economy, but this artificial credit easing is short-lived and can cause a severe recession. Delaying a recession through monetary policy can make it worse. The Austrian business cycle theory states […]
Organizational behavior theories help companies improve management practices, with classical theory focusing on task completion, employee matching, supervision, and management planning. Contingency theory manages conflicts, while systems theory views firms as related pieces of a larger operation. Each theory can increase operational efficiency if implemented correctly. Organizational behavior theory usually represents concepts that help a […]
The Toba Catastrophe Theory suggests that a supervolcano eruption 75,000 years ago caused a population bottleneck in humans, leading to low genetic diversity. Geological and genetic evidence supports the theory, but it is still debated in the scientific community. The Toba Catastrophe Theory is the idea that a population bottleneck in mankind’s past, inferred from […]
Economic theory explains the movement of goods in a market and is used by governments to make policies. Classical economics favors a free market, while command economies are led by national governments. Keynesian economics combines the two theories. Economists use data to inform decision-making and typically use the model of homo economicus to predict how […]
