"Balancing Field-General and Subfield-Specific Contributions When Addressing, Utilizing, or Assessing a Theory's Explanatory Power". Issue 4 (8th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Holbert, R. Lance; Baik, Elizabeth S.; Tallapragada, Meghnaa; Tolan, Colleen M.; LaMarre, Heather L.; Hardy, Bruce W.
• Is Part Of: Journal of broadcasting & electronic media. Volume 66:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 515
• Page End: 539
• Publication Date: 2022-08-08
• Subjects: Broadcasting -- Periodicals; Telecommunication -- Periodicals; 384.54
• DOI: 10.1080/08838151.2022.2120481
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-8151

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Explanatory power is a key criterion for assessing the strength of a theory. This essay provides an expanded detailing of explanatory power's three components: Plausibility, range, and postdiction. In addition, a case is made for how plausibility advancements signal field-general contributions, range-based works gravitate toward subfield-specific offerings, and postdiction assessments can be field-general or subfield-specific. This discussion is grounded with a focus on four theories: Agenda Setting, Cultivation, Uses and Gratifications, and Social Cognitive Theory. Implications for future theory advancement are discussed and short- and long-term research initiatives are detailed.