| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | The International Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods |
| Editors | Jörg Matthes |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1 Nov 2017 |
Abstract
Scientific description is a systematic effort to selectively represent a complex reality in order to highlight patterns and specific phenomena that can be subjected to scientific explanation. Specific representations enable different kinds of explanations. An explanation consists of a demonstration that a set of conditions is present for which there is a rule predicting that the explained phenomenon should follow, and a theoretical account that elucidates why these conditions are sufficient. The conditions and rules sustaining the explanation can themselves be described and explained, resulting in substantial overlap between description and explanation.