Theory, , Ethics and Practical Application - Research Paper Example

The paper “Theory, Research, Ethics and Practical Application” is a brilliant example of human resources research paper. Man has always been hungry for knowledge. In trying to understand the world around him, various theories have been developed just so his perennial questioning can be quenched temporarily until the next big question arises. In the evolution of knowledge, such theories can multiply, be reformed, or replaced by more valid ones. Literature ReviewScholars have attempted to explain what a theory is and many definitions have been suggested.

Gelso (2006) and Rychlak (1968) define theory as a statement of the relationship between two or more variables. This implies that there is an expectation of how variables identified in the research, relate to each other. Harlow (2010) and Heinen (1985) claim that the term “theory” does not have a fixed, universal meaning, but instead represents various meanings. It can suggest a law or system of laws or a constructor set of constructs that explain certain phenomena. Sutton and Staw (1995) argue that a theory should be able to answer the question “why”, which like Harlow and Heinen, finds a causal relationship, order, and timing of events in such a relationship.

Wacker (1998) describes that a theory should have the components of having a conceptual definition, domain limitations, relationship-building, and predictive claims “to answer the natural language questions of who, what, when, where, how, why, should, could and would (p. 364).Three comprehensive views on theory are Rychlak’s (1968) theory functions, Wacker’s (1998) criteria and virtues of a good theory, and Stam’s (2010) evolution of logic-restricted theories. Rychlak (1968) suggested four functions of theory.

One is being descriptive of the phenomena being investigated. As one understands it more, the better his explanation about it is derived and the clearer the theory gets. Another function is to delimit. Theories set boundaries and if it does not cover the area that the theory states, it does not get the same conclusions. Still another function of theory is to generate more information and explanation. This is what is known as a heuristic. This feature of the theory pushes one to keep working on a problem that may yield more information about the phenomenon being studied.

If a theory lacks heurism, it stagnates and loses its value.