Theories in Futures Studies: Examining the Theory Base of the Futures Field in Light of Survey Results

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matti Minkkinen

This review article opens discussion on theories in futures studies by analyzing survey results from Finland Futures Research Centre and using the results as an entry point to discussing theoretical lineages found in the literature. The survey, conducted in 2019, included twenty-four responses from researchers and postgraduate students. Altogether 192 different theories or theoretical frameworks were identified. Social science theories and conceptual frameworks were particularly prevalent in the responses, and the most common recurring themes included systems, complexity, and anticipation. The responses are discussed in terms of three levels: philosophy of science, theories of futures studies, and theories in futures studies. Theories in futures studies are further divided into theories of action, practices, and behavior; theories of change; and theories on the micro-, meso-, and macro levels. The results are contextualized and complemented by proposing five functionally differentiated theoretical approaches: (1) theories for forecasting, (2) theories for representing futures, (3) theories for pursuing desired futures, (4) theories for making sense of anticipatory processes, and (5) radical epistemological critiques. The analysis is intended to open discussion on theories rather than provide an exhaustive list of the most important theories. Nevertheless, we can conclude that the field has a rich theory base which could be emphasized in futures education and developed further. It is crucial that actors in the futures field are aware of the theories that guide them because influential theories take part in making the future.

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 637-667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika S. Schmid ◽  
Barbara Köpke

Abstract Research on second language acquisition and bilingual development strongly suggests that when a previously monolingual speaker becomes multilingual, the different languages do not exist in isolation: they are closely linked, dependent on each other, and there is constant interaction between these different knowledge systems. Theoretical frameworks of bilingual development acknowledge this insofar as they usually draw heavily on evidence of how the native language influences subsequent languages, and how and to what degree this influence can eventually be overcome. The fact that such crosslinguistic transfer is not a one-way street, and that the native language is similarly influenced by later learned languages, on the other hand, is often disregarded. We review the evidence on how later learned languages can re-shape the L1 in the immediate and the longer term and demonstrate how such phenomena may be used to inform, challenge and validate theoretical approaches of bilingual development.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caylin Louis Moore ◽  
Forrest Stuart

For nearly a century, gang scholarship has remained foundational to criminological theory and method. Twenty-first-century scholarship continues to refine and, in some cases, supplant long-held axioms about gang formation, organization, and behavior. Recent advances can be traced to shifts in the empirical social reality and conditions within which gangs exist and act. We draw out this relationship—between the ontological and epistemological—by identifying key macrostructural shifts that have transformed gang composition and behavior and, in turn, forced scholars to revise dominant theoretical frameworks and analytical approaches. These shifts include large-scale economic transformations, the expansion of punitive state interventions, the proliferation of the Internet and social media, intensified globalization, and the increasing presence of women and LGBTQ individuals in gangs and gang research. By introducing historically unprecedented conditions and actors, these developments provide novel opportunities to reconsider previous analyses of gang structure, violence, and other related objects of inquiry. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Criminology, Volume 5 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.


2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 186-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Young

Purpose Bereavement and loss are key factors in poor emotional wellbeing among people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). However, little attention has been drawn to this group in the grief and disability literature. The purpose of this paper is to make sense of bereavement and loss in people with PMLD, with reference to theoretical contributions to the field and studies of grief reactions. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review revealed 34 relevant published works. These were analysed for relevant contributions. Findings Three main types of theoretical contributions have been made; traditional grief theories, cognitive approaches and attachment-based perspectives. Although a limited number of case studies exist, a range of grief reactions have been reported in people with PMLD. Traditional grief theories and cognitive approaches are somewhat limited in making sense of grief responses in this group, while attachment-based perspectives may prove useful in providing theoretical and therapeutic direction. Research limitations/implications Further research is required to more accurately describe the nature of relationships in people with PMLD. Practical implications Major contributions to the field point to the value of facilitating engagement with the grieving process, through communication around the loss and training for staff. In addition, attachment-based perspectives are offering routes for establishing therapeutic relationships that may help to resolve behavioural difficulties. Originality/value This paper provides an overview of the perspectives within bereavement and disability, drawing together clear theoretical frameworks for future research and practice.


Author(s):  
Matthew G. Rhodes

Several decades of research have examined predictions of future memory performance—typically referred to as judgments of learning (JOLs). In this chapter, I first discuss the early history of research on JOLs and their fit within a leading metacognitive framework. A common methodological approach has evolved that permits the researcher to investigate the correspondence between JOLs and memory performance, as well as the degree to which JOLs distinguish between information that is or is not remembered. Factors that influence each aspect of the accuracy of JOLs are noted and considered within theoretical approaches to JOLs. Thus far, research on JOLs had yielded a number of findings and promising theoretical frameworks that will continue to be refined. Future work will benefit by considering how learners combine information to arrive at a judgment, the implications of alternative methods of measuring JOLs, and the potential for JOLs to influence memory.


Author(s):  
Paul Woo Dong Yu ◽  
John Golden

Two case stories are given of how technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) is developed in a first semester undergraduate pre-service elementary mathematics education course. The theoretical frameworks that guided the design and implementation of technology-based mathematics lessons are discussed, including both TPACK and the substitution, augmentation, modification, redefinition (SAMR) framework. Then the authors describe specific activities intended to develop TPACK, the motivation and implementation for these activities, and excerpts of pre-service teachers' survey results, comments, and reflections about learning elementary mathematics in these courses. The contrast between the courses is focused technology use during one unit with opportunity to teach elementary lessons with the same technology, and pervasive use of technology throughout the other but no opportunity to use the technology with elementary learners. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the implications and issues that have presented themselves in this action research experience.


Author(s):  
Elise Rousseau ◽  
Stephane J Baele

Abstract This paper offers an original theoretical framework for the study of insults in international relations (IR). Bringing into IR the two main theoretical approaches to aggravating language, slurs and dysphemisms, we conceptualize insults’ disruptive impact on international interactions in a way that explains their logic, consequences, and risks. Specifically, we argue that insults constitute both at once tactical tools used by international actors to achieve their interests by disrupting an interaction and modifying the payoffs associated with it and linguistic artifacts constructing and sharpening self- and other identities. The components of our theoretical framework are illustrated with a wide range of empirical cases of international insults.


Author(s):  
Pat Dolan ◽  
Caroline McGregor

This chapter presents three proposed theoretical frameworks that can be usefully applied in working in the field of child sexual abuse (CSA). It argues that the functions of empathy, social support and socialisation, and ecological theories can offer a theoretical framework to deal with the challenges associated with CSA and offers improved guidance for practice. The chapter then outlines three possible practice examples that could emerge from such an approach. In the discussion, the chapter considers how these three theoretical considerations can come together to offer direction for improving how CSA is understood and responded to with an emphasis on improving outcomes for children who experience sexual abuse. The discussion also looks at how these theoretical approaches can promote a preventative approach that tackles social and cultural as well as individual factors that result in such harmful abuse of children that it often has life-long negative impacts.


2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan

In this paper I review the major theoretical approaches to political ecology, and then introduce a research tool. The critical moment is a noticeable historical instance or interaction. Given the fluidity in the theoretical frameworks of political ecology and the growing dominance of participatory discourse, exploring critical moments provides a foundation for a heterodox approach to explaining human/society/nature relations. It is a way to uncover the multidimensional interpretation of power involving environmental actors, struggles, and key events. One of the key research areas for political ecology is the conservation of nature and forest environments, and the use of the critical moment is explored in these.Key words: Political ecology, critical moment analysis, conservation, Bangladesh


This comprehensive reference on the fundamentals of regolith geoscience describes how regolith is developed from parental rocks and emphasises the importance of chemical, physical, water and biological processes in regolith formation. It provides details for mapping regolith landforms, as well as objective information on applications in mineral exploration and natural resource management. Regolith Science also provides a concise history of weathering through time in Australia. It includes previously unpublished information on elemental abundances in regolith materials along with detailed information on soil degradation processes such as acid sulfate soils. Written by experts in the field, Regolith Science summarises research carried out over a 13-year period within the Cooperative Research Centre for Landscape Environments and Mineral Exploration. This book will be a valuable resource for scientists and graduate/postgraduate students in geology, geography and soil science, professionals in the exploration industry and natural resources management. This paperback edition is a reprint of the original hardback published in October 2008.


Author(s):  
Shira Barzilay ◽  
Abbie Cohen

A comprehensive model of suicidal processes and behavior is essential for the assessment of imminent risk for suicide and for the design of informed interventions. This chapter provides descriptions of the three generations of the most influential theories of suicidal behavior as well as an assessment of their strengths and limitations. First-generation models were based on clinicians’ individual experiences and, more recently, on consensus opinion and clinical judgment. Second-generation prognostic models hypothesized that suicide risk was determined by measurable long-term biological, clinical, or demographic risk factors. Third-generation models of suicidal behavior focused on dynamic risk elements, which appear later in life, change over time, and are operational immediately proximal to suicide. This chapter provides a historical perspective on the evolution of the theoretical approaches to the understanding of psychological processes that make suicide possible.


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