Abstract
Scientific description is a systematic effort to selectively represent a complex reality in order to highlight patterns and specific phenomena that can be subjected to scientific explanation. Specific representations enable different kinds of explanations. An explanation consists of a demonstration that a set of conditions is present for which there is a rule predicting that the explained phenomenon should follow, and a theoretical account that elucidates why these conditions are sufficient. The conditions and rules sustaining the explanation can themselves be described and explained, resulting in substantial overlap between description and explanation.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | The International Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods |
| Publisher | wiley |
| Pages | 1-3 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781118901731 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781118901762 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1 Jan 2017 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords
- association
- causation
- communication research methods
- communication theory
- deduction
- induction