Role of Theory in Research

Role of Theory in Research

The term ‘theory’ has evolved in its definition, possibly as a result of scholars using the terms theory and hypothesis interchangeably to refer to the same thing (Burkholder et al., 2016). A hypothesis is a prediction about the outcome of a study or research. A theory, on the other hand, refers to generally accepted concepts that frame scientific knowledge in a specific way. Furthermore, these theories are assumed to be true. These theories are significant because they not only guide research but also aid in testing and measuring the concepts associated with the theory under consideration.

Theories strive to fulfill four functions. The first role is that of description, in which theories aid in increasing understanding, and the second role is that of explanation, in which theories explain why a past phenomenon occurred. The third role that theories play is prediction, in which the occurrence of a future phenomenon is described. Finally, theories are significant because they can be used as a control tool, for example, to mitigate undesirable outcomes (Burkholder, Cox, & Crawford, 2016).

Theories can address both large phenomena, such as social and small subjects, such as individuals or small groups. When the subject is large, the theories are called macro-theories, and when the phenomena are small, they are called micro-theories. Furthermore, theories are classified according to the type of reasoning. These are the inductive and deductive data analysis methods. In most cases, theories are only used for empirical analysis and not for developing new explanations (Babbie, 2016).

The Study of Phenomenology in Public Health

Edmund Husserl developed this theory (1859-1938). It is based on evaluating experiences from the first-person point of view. Intentionality is a central tenet of this theory (New World Encyclopedia, 2015). The statement “all consciousness is the consciousness of” describes the inter-relationship of experiences in this theory.

Freedom from supposition, also known as Epoché, is another central tenet of this theory. This theory is based on the assumption that knowledge must be reflected in order for an individual to understand it. This subject’s knowledge is thought to have come from experience. However, in order to benefit from the knowledge of other researchers, researchers must overcome their own biases.

This theory is divided into two types. The first is descriptive or transcendental, and it seeks to identify patterns in a shared phenomenon that transcend individual experience. The second type is interpretive, which seeks to identify psychological and social issues that influence people’s responses (Burkholder, Cox, & Crawford, 2016).

Personal Beliefs Influencing Phenomenology Use

Each person, in my opinion, has a unique experience. This, however, does not negate the fact that a common phenomenon cannot result in similar experiences. Because of the subjective nature of experience, both forms of phenomenology are valuable research methods.

My Worldview and Phenomenology

I chose constructivism as my worldview in the previous discussion. Because individual perceptions govern behavior and there is no single reality, phenomenology and constructivism have similar philosophical foundations (Burkholder et al., 2016). This is true for both types of phenomenology, but intentional focus phenomenology distinguishes it from other epistemological models.

References

Babbie, E. (2016). The basics of social research, 7th ed. Cengage Learning. [Vitalbook file].

Burkholder, G., Cox, K., & Crawford, L. (2016). The scholar-practitioners guide to research design. Laureate Publishing. [Vitalbook file].

New World Encyclopedia. (2015). Phenomenology. Retrieved from http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Phenomenology

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

We’ll write everything from scratch

---

ROLE OF THEORY IN RESEARCH

Popular usage of the word “theory” may sometimes imply a singular, often grand idea. The world, however, is complex, and the systems designed to understand it, such as theory, are often intricate in order to sufficiently explain the world as it is. Indeed, as you will learn this week, the theory is nuanced, and it can also be viewed as a combination of variables, ideas, or constructs to test or advance a research question. In addition, theory tends to play a different role in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research.

For this Discussion, you will consider the role of theory in research and the relationship between theory and philosophical orientations. You will also familiarize yourself with a theory in your field so that you may become more conversant in your discipline’s theoretical foundations.

Post an explanation of the role of theory in research. Next, identify a theory in your discipline and explain its basic tenets. Then, with this theory in mind, consider your answer to the following question posed by Drs. Burkholder and Burbank in last week’s reading: “What do I have to believe about the world and about human beings in order for me to accept or use this theory?” (p. 27).  Finally, describe the extent to which the epistemological and ontological assumptions of your chosen theory align with the philosophical orientation that reflects your worldview.

Be sure to support your Main Issue Post and Response Post with reference to the week’s Learning Resources and other scholarly evidence in APA Style.

Post an explanation of the role of theory in research. Next, identify a theory in your discipline and explain its basic tenets. Then, with this theory in mind, consider your answer to the following question posed by Drs. Burkholder and Burbank in last week’s reading: “What do I have to believe about the world and about human beings in order for me to accept or use this theory?” (p. 27).  Finally, describe the extent to which the epistemological and ontological assumptions of your chosen theory align with the philosophical orientation that reflects your worldview.

Be sure to support your Main Issue Post and Response Post with reference to the week’s Learning Resources and other scholarly evidence in APA Style.

Resources

• de Vaus, D. A. (2001). Research design in social research Download Research design in social research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
  Research Design in Social Research by De Vaus, D.A. Copyright 2001 Sage Publications Ltd. Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications Ltd., via the Copyright Clearance Center.
  • Chapter 1, “The Context of Design”
• Burkholder, G. J., Cox, K. A., Crawford, L. M., & Hitchcock, J.H. (Eds.) (2020). Research design and methods: An applied guide for the scholar-practitioner. SAGE Publications, Inc.
  • Chapter 3, “Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks in Research”
• Babbie, E. (2017). Basics of social research (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
  • Chapter 2, “Paradigms, Theory, and Research”
• Walden University: Library. (2015b). Searching and finding information in the library databases: OverviewLinks to an external site.. Retrieved from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/searchingfindingBe sure to review all sections within this guide: “Overview,” “Keyword Searching,” “Subject and Index Searching,” and “Find Full Text.”