Study Questions

"Pragmatism"

Dr. Patricia M. Shields

Political Science 5335

Texas State University-San Marcos

 

"Pragmatic teaching philosophy,"  "Philosophy of Science" and the "Missing Link".

 

1. Reflect on your assumptions about theory before you read these papers.  When    you entered this class how did you define theory?

 

         What role did you think theory had in Public Administration?

 

         What role did theory have in your professional life?

 

         What role did theory play in resolving problems or questions?

 

2. How is theory described in the "philosophy of science" article and the "missing link" paper?

 

         How has your view of theory changed having read these papers?

 

3. How is it that the Texas State MPA Program began offering 5335 (old 5304b)?

 

4. Identify two tools that are used in this class to facilitate inquiry?

 

5. How are these tools used in the ARP process?

 

6. What research purpose is associated with the practical ideal type conceptual framework?

 

7. Why are students required to construct conceptual framework tables?

 

8. How are conceptual framework tables connected to the organization of the literature review chapter?

 

9. What conceptual framework did:

 

-Rachael Jeffers use in her ARP?

 

-David Pearson use in his ARP?

 

-Rebecca Anderson use in her ARP?

 

-Sharon Ley use in her ARP?

 

- Shivaun Perez use in her ARP?

 

10. How did Michelle Romero's conceptual framework connect to her research purpose and to the results section?

         (Give the table numbers you used to answer this question.)

 

11.  Did the evidence show that rural economies in Texas were affected by the closure of hospitals? What table did you use to answer this question?

 

12. What role do conceptual frameworks play in questionnaire design?

 

Texas State University-San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System.