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Evaluating Samples when Researchers Do Not Generalize
Published in Fred Pyrczak, Maria Tcherni-Buzzeo, Evaluating Research in Academic Journals, 2018
Fred Pyrczak, Maria Tcherni-Buzzeo
2. Some researchers focus on developing and testing theories. A theory is a proposition or set of propositions that provides a cohesive explanation of the underlying dynamics of certain aspects of behavior. For instance, self-verification theory indicates that people attempt to maintain stable self-concepts. On the basis of this theory, researchers can make a number of predictions. For instance, if the theory is correct, a researcher might predict that people with poor self-concepts will seek out negative social reinforcement (e.g., seek out people who give them negative feedback about themselves) while avoiding or rejecting positive reinforcement. They do not do this because they enjoy negative reinforcement. Instead, according to the theory, it is an attempt to validate their perceptions of themselves.1 Such predictions can be tested with empirical research, which sheds light on the validity of a theory, as well as data that may be used to further develop and refine it.
The Benefits of Identity Integration across Life Domains
Published in Journal of Homosexuality, 2020
Alex Lindsey, Eden King, Declan Gilmer, Isaac Sabat, Afra Ahmad
Herek suggested that LGB individuals often face unique stressors (Herek & Garnets, 2007), especially when they do not disclose. As a result, Herek’s initial push for equal treatment of LGB individuals and legal recognitions (Herek, 2006) has now shifted to a need for supportive environments where LGB individuals can disclose and live authentically. The current results support this perspective and Ragins’s (2008) theoretical model of the adverse effects of both identity disconnects and identity denial, and the beneficial effects of identity integration. Although not everyone chooses to (or feels safe enough to) disclose their identity, our research has shown that positive outcomes can result from disclosing an LGB identity both at work and outside of work. Indeed, when employees feel that they can be their authentic selves across life domains, they experience greater life satisfaction, in line with self-verification theory.