Question & Answer



Question & Answer

QUESTION 1

Role of Theories in Guiding Research

Despite the fact that there is hardly any disagreement on the role and position of theory in quantitative research, there is no clear agreement made in qualitative research regarding the role and significance of theory. In overall, based on Anfara & Mertz (2006) there are three distinct understandings about the role of theory in qualitative researches: (a) Theory relates to the researcher's chosen methodology and the epistemologies underlying it (Best & Kahn, 2003; Gay & Airasian, 2003 cited by Anfara & Mertz, 2006); (b) Qualitative research theory, compared to methodology, has a relatively more broad and extensive role (Denzin & Lincoln, 2003b), and (c) Theory does not typically have a solid relationship with qualitative research (Merriam, 1997; Schwandt, 2007).

As it appears, the understandings are not finalized in this field of social science, and what is more, some experts have declared that there are no clear boundaries among such opinions. For instance, Merriam (2002) discussed her perception on the deep and broad influence of theory on the research process; yet she also acknowledged methodology's part as the “theoretical stances” taken by a researcher. As mentioned, some researchers have pointed to theory's role in methodological paradigms which simultaneously hint the wide role of theory (Merriam, 2002).

Thus, new researchers are facing ambiguities on two aspects; the true entity of theory, and their rate of reliability on theory as a major reference in their work. The point which should be understood is the different roles played by theory in the quantitative research and the qualitative research. In quantitative research, the researcher seeks to prove and confirm his/her hypothesis through a deductive method intermingled with a number of theories. However, a researcher chooses the qualitative method for his/her work when there is little information about the topic and a relevant theory base is missing (Leedy & Ormrod, 2005). Therefore the qualitative researcher intends to create an appropriate theory which suits his topic by using the inductive method.

How is a Theory Defined?

The term theory has been defined in a variety of manners depending on the field of study, ground of science and even the era it was recognized to be a vital device in the process of knowledge throughout history. One of the oldest definitions on scientific theory was given by Hempel (1952, p. 36) who compared theory with “a complex spatial network” whereby “system” and “observation” are the floating device, while “rules of interpretation” control and guide them. Homans (1952, p. 812) believes that essentially no theory exists unless there is a clear “explanation” on the “properties” and “propositions” which clarify their relations and finally forming a “deductive system.

In addition, Burr (1973) was concerned with deductive theory and assumes that propositions “explain why certain things occur”; afterwards deducing them. He then concludes that these propositions are examined and tested as science has a purpose; elimination of “invalid propositions” and increasing the number of “useful and valid” propositions (Burr, 1973, ...