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D.R. Scott's Conceptual Framework, Carol Lawrence, Jenice P. Stewart

Accounting Historians Journal

The objective of this study is to trace the influence of DR Scott's writings on the development of accounting theory and standard setting. Scott's deductive approach to the development of a conceptual framework for financial accounting and reporting was adopted by accountants on a piecemeal basis from the 1930s to the 1970s. This study traces authoritative pronouncements from the 1930s to provide evidence on Scott's forward looking ability and the influence of his ideas on the subsequent development of accounting theory. The social, economic, and political environment of the 1930s is described to show why a change in accounting standard …