Theory Construction and Model-Building Skills: A Practical Guide for Social Scientists (Methodology in the Social Sciences Series) by James Jaccard, revised and updated for its second edition, offers a comprehensive and accessible approach to developing theories and building models. This book is essential for graduate students, new researchers, and seasoned investigators looking to enhance their skills in theory construction and model-building within social sciences. Through concrete strategies and practical guidelines, readers are equipped with the tools necessary to generate ideas, define constructs, and explore relationships and processes that link these constructs.

Spanning 522 pages, the book delves into various methodologies including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, providing compelling examples from multiple disciplines. It also includes practical advice for effectively communicating theories in academic papers and grant applications. Readers can engage with the content through application and concept exercises, as well as benefit from demonstration boxes and additional resources provided throughout the text.

New to this edition are expanded discussions on emergent theory in mixed methods and qualitative approaches, alongside a new chapter on exploratory quantitative methods for generating theory. Additional chapters explore theoretical underpinnings of measurement practices, offering guidance on revising theories when faced with disconfirmatory data. The book also delves into what constitutes a theoretical contribution, conceptual logic models, and thought experiments.

To enhance learning, the text features application and concept exercises in every chapter, lists of key terms, engaging topical boxes, and annotated suggestions for further reading. A companion website is available with PowerPoint slides of all figures, primers on advanced topics, video demonstrations, and supplemental exercises, making it a valuable resource for both students and instructors.

Chapters can be used in any order, allowing flexibility in how the material is integrated into courses or personal study. This second edition not only updates existing content but also adds new insights to support a wide range of theory construction practices within social sciences.