Key questions

1. What is the variable that you care about? Define it.
2. What is your question about that variable?
3. What are the related constructs/theoretical variables? Define them.
4. For each related construct, propose a positive or inverse relationship.
5. Can you imagine each construct on some kind of low-to-high scale or continuum?
6. Given answers to #4 and/or #5, do your propositions still make sense? Do your definitions of the constructs still make sense?
7. Repeat as necessary.  Fine-tune the model to eliminate internal inconsistencies.
8. What is the "useful shelf life" of your model?

copyright 2003 Brian J. Reithel, Ph.D., CDP