The Importance of Theory in Research



Introduction3

Literature Review4

What is Theory?4

Difference between Theory and Hypothesis8

Relationship between Theory and Research8

Information-Seeking or Policy-Oriented Research9

The Use of General Theory in Empirical Research10

Theory Testing versus Theory Generating11

Middle-Range Theory12

Grounded Theory13

Epistemological and Ontological Aspects of Theory15

Theorizing as Continuous Part of Research17

Recommendations18

Conclusion19

References20

The Importance of Theory in Research

Introduction

Theory can be defined as a systematic explanation for a set of facts and laws. Theory in relationship to research provides the hypothesis; therefore it is the source of one's research project (Briner & Rousseau, 2011). Theory is a motivation for undertaking research including research test and modifying as well as expanding social theory. A researcher can use theory for direction in choosing a research design or work with in limited theoretical expectations. In either format, research is structured by ideas and expectations created through use of abstract, logical reasoning (Bonaccio, Chiocchio,Forget, Forget, Foucher, Kelloway & O'Neill, 2013).

Theory is one of the three main elements in the traditional model of scientific method. In this model, developing a theory begins with an interest in some aspect of the real world. One's theoretical analysis of the social factors believed to affect the research topic, clarifies the possible relationship among factors known as variables (Ellis & Levy, 2008). Through the next element, operational, the theoretical considerations results in the formation of a hypothesis. The hypothesis defines general cause and effect concepts known as research variables which are illustrated in a model. The variables are denoted by the letters X, being the independent variable or cause, and the Y, the dependent variable or effect. The X and Y variables are then translated into specific indicators and procedures such as the antecedent and intervening variables. Procedures to narrow and redefine these X and Y variables are reviews of related literature, consideration of resources and so on. The goal is to ultimately create a testable hypothesis (Ellis & Levy, 2008).

Based on the ideas and concepts set forth in the theory, which lead to the development of a testable hypothesis, the guidelines are set for choosing the most appropriate sample population and size, the most non-biased data collection format and the information the researcher is looking for when analyzing the data. Therefore, the theory ultimately provides a scope of judging whether the results of the research are accurate or inaccurate. This model is not complete and less used than others (Evans & Davis, 2011).

Theory and research are linked through two logical methods. Those two logical systems are deductive and inductive. In the deductive model, research is used to test theories. A general hypothesis is set forth, stemming from a theoretical expectation of a particular problem. Researchers derive specific measurable variables defined in the hypothesis and illustrated in the model (Hak & Dul, 2010). The data collection technique is then constructed to test the variables presented. The technique must be designed to test each variable stated in the hypothesis, (which is why the operationalizing process is needed to redefine and narrow the h hypothesis then the ...