ABSTRACT
One of the strengths of the expansion method lies in its ability to incorporate real-world complexities into simple models with strong theoretical foundations. The systematic procedure provided by the method enables these complexities to be introduced while maintaining the theoretical integrity of the relationship being investigated. The methodology has special significance in the study of relationships in the social sciences that have attained a quasi-law status due to their compelling theoretical rationale, but that are not necessarily invariant over time, space, or context.
