Evaluating Foa and Foa’s Social Resource Theory: A Data-Analytic Perspective

Abstract

Abstract This chapter provides an overview of the traditional research methods (e.g., design and types of data analyses) applied to examine and validate Foas’ social resource theory (SRT). In this regard, the chapter elaborates on a comparative perspective of the strengths and shortcomings of two main traditional methods: smallest space analysis (SSA), the original multidimensional scaling method from which SRT stemmed, and factor analysis (FA). The chapter further focuses on SRT in a classroom setting as an applied illustration in which SRT is formally tested and validated using SSA and FA. Finally, the chapter discusses the potential use of other multivariate (untraditional) methods for exploring new research questions and hypotheses derived from SRT, hence expanding its scope and providing further possible validation to the theory.