8.1 Discussion: Ladder of Abstraction

David Folmar Discussion 8.1

A Ladder of Abstraction is a tool that can help with communication (Hayakawa & Hayakawa, 1939). A Ladder of Abstraction is used to provide a visual reference to help describe concepts that might be too complex or more detached from normal expectations and understandings to make then more easily comprehended (Hayakawa & Hayakawa, 1939). The Ladder of Abstraction starts at the bottom step by listing the most concrete components of the concept being described and moves up the ladder with each step becoming a little more abstract until the top step on ladder is reached which then represents the most abstract component (Hayakawa & Hayakawa, 1939).

The post-positivist paradigm follows most closely with the analytical view as described by Arbnor and Bjerke (Arbnor & Bjerke, 2009). The post-positivist view for research starts with defining a study area, a research question and a research plan that is fact based. This step is the most concrete and easiest for most people to communicate and understand so it is placed on the first step. The post-positivist view is that reality can be defined although it may not be true and certain because the assumptions and hypotheses used to develop the theories can be untrue or incorrect since they are all by influenced by human behavior. This component is the most abstract and it is therefore placed on the top step in the Ladder of Abstract used to describe the post-positivist paradigm. The diagram below shows a Ladder of Abstraction for the post-positivist paradigm which is my personal operative paradigm

LADDER of ABSTRACTION for the POST-POSITIVE PARADIGM

MORE ABSTACT

Reality can be defined although it may not be true and certain because the assumptions and

hypotheses used to develop the theories can be untrue or incorrect since they are all by

influenced human behavior.

Develop laws and theories to explain and predict reality based on validated

research findings and hypotheses.

Evaluate and interpret research findings. Reflect on findings to identify and to minimize

possible biased interpretations as much as possible since all biases cannot be removed

because humans all have some degree of bias and are a necessary part of the research process.

Perform testing and research to obtain measurable data to use to validate and refine

hypothesis. In most cases the testing will produce quantitative data; however, subjective or

qualitative data can be used if it provides insight and better understanding.

Hypothesis development based on perceived causal relationships. Predicting outcomes

based on causal relationships.

Examination and evaluation of facts and data within study area to determine causal

relationships between variables so that predictions can be made.

Gathering facts and data related to study area.

Defining study area, research question and research plan.

MORE CONCRETE

References Arbnor, I., & Bjerke, B. (2009). Methodology for Creating Business Knowledge (3rd ed.). Sage Publications. Hayakawa, S. I., & Hayakawa, A. R. (1939). How We Know What We Know. In Lannguage in Thoght and Action (pp. 82-95).