Matrix Assisted Structural Hypothesis Construction

This paper outlines a novel process for designing a structural hypothesis. Relevant
factors in a study are identified and micro-hypotheses are enunciated in a matrix format.
Levels of similarity are assigned to each pair of factors. Multi-dimensional scaling techniques
are used to graphically portray the matrix. The example of ‘‘Quality of Life'' (QoL)
is used to illustrate the proposed matrix approach to generate a structural hypothesis. A
Smallest Space Analysis (SSA) of the hypothetical Quality of Life matrix shows a structure
in which four polar regions surround a central region representing ‘‘general'' QoL.
This clear and logical structure of the hypothesized correlation matrix is a strong first
confirmation that the approach allows for a detailed, systematic and theoretically based
mode of reasoning and didactics. Additionally, the structure found here corresponds to a
previous SSA analysis based on empirical Quality of Life data