Nomological network
A nomological[1] network can be viewed as a representative constructs of a study and its observable manifestations and the interrelationships between at least two or more constructs.
Christ commanded that his disciples make the people sit down in groups of ten networked together in ranks of tens and hundreds until all were connected together in what science of philosophy might call an nomological network.
There are several necessary elements of a nomological network those lawlike elements would be directed by Christ. If we are to identify His kingdom or His Church as a divinely inspired nomological network these elements would be observable through interrelationships of those constructs or individuals or their families.
- At least two constructs;
- One or more theoretical propositions, specifying linkages between constructs, for example: "As age increases, memory loss increases".
- Correspondence rules, allowing each construct to be measured empirically. Such a rule is said to "operationalize" the construct, as for example in the operationalization: "Age" is measured by asking "how old are you?"
- Empirical linkages represent hypotheses before data collection, empirical generalizations after data collection.
- ↑ The term "nomological" derives from the Greek, meaning "lawful", or in philosophy of science terms, "law-like".