As A Vehicle For Theory Development - Research Paper Example

Research As A Vehicle For Theory Development Introduction The relationship between theory and research can be identified as a dialectical one, which is almost purely symbiotic. There can be no theory without research. On the other hand, there can be no research without any theory, considering that it is theory that provides the basis and framework for which a research is done. Therefore the relationship between theory and research follows a continuous cycle, where theory leads to research and then research leads to the generation of theory. Research is a vehicle for theory development Thus, the first way in which research can contribute to theory is that; research provides the basis for which a theory is tested and challenged, leading to further advancement of the theory (Gay & Weaver, 2011). A theory is a framework that serves to explain the existence of certain phenomena, or at least predict the likely occurrences based on the past and the current data, which is related to the phenomena in question. Research is undertaken for two purposes: either to test a theory or to develop a theory (Ellis & Levy, 2008). Thus, research is a vehicle for theory development and testing which involves data collection suggesting the things to look for, in case of a theory generation research. This sets the objective of the research as purely inquisitive, meant to look for certain aspects that would then help in the generation of a theoretical concept. On the other hand, where the intention of the research is theory testing, research is applied as a vehicle for data collection, since it dictates the data that is to be collected (Harlow, 2009). A theory synthesis data, which has been collected through research, is used to give a prediction of the most likely occurrence that will be registered in the future. On the other hand, research, through its findings and analysis, takes a particular theory that is related to the specific area of study, and then uses the theory as the basis for analysis, by testing the theory against real data, to end up with either data that validates the theory, or challenges it (Rynes & Gephart, 2004). Through research findings, a theory that exists is ether validated or challenged, paving a way through which a theory can be improved. Therefore, one way in which research can contribute to theory is through validating, or recommending for further development of the theory. Thus, research tests, challenges and develops theory. Research provides raw materials and knowledge base for theory Theory is a framework that narrows down a wide range of information into functional and concrete information, which is directly applied to inform the systems of life. Theory is the fundamental basis for establishing a conceptual framework for understanding things that cannot be pinned down (Southern & Delvin, 2010). However, this information and knowledge that is dissected and analyzed by a theory, to arrive at a conclusive and understandable conceptual framework, cannot exist without research, which is the basis of building information and knowledge base. Therefore, research serves as the source of raw material for theory, through building coffers of information. While knowledge is a wide concept which is interdisciplinary, it can be narrowed down to specializations, such that the knowledge for a particular discipline is generated, fine-tuned and then refined for application. Through research, the wide knowledge base that exists in form of raw data and information is dissected and interpreted, so that it can now have some meaning within different contents. This information is then applied to form the explanation for certain occurrences, phenomena or predictions of the likely future outcomes. This way, research plays a major role in looking for data and information, which it then places in the domain of theoretical application, so that theory can apply that knowledge and develop explanations for phenomena and occurrences (Harlow, 2009). Research is undertaken in a systematic manner, starting with the identification of the relevant area of study, the objectives to be met, and the questions to be answered. With such framework, research then commences by delving deeply into the area of study, either through undertaking primary studies where information is collected directly from the participants in the field, or through synthesizing the already existing information that has been generated by others, under secondary research (Suri & Clarke, 2009). A theory provides various perspectives through which problems or issues that face the society can be tackled, and the problem effectively addressed. Nevertheless, even though a theory may recognize the existence of a social problem or a social issue, it cannot effectively provide for any means of addressing the issue, unless through allowing research to collect the real data regarding the problem or the issue, so that the data can then be interpreted and analyzed on the basis of the principles provided by the theory, and the solution to such problems arrived at. It is in this perspective, that research is considered to be the source of raw material for theory, which allows for collection of primary data directly from the population, and then presents the same data to the theory, which then provides for basis and principles of synthesizing the data, and arriving at a conclusive resolution of the issue. A test research dictates the kind of information that a theory will synthesize, through determining which aspect of the theory are to be measured, tested and evaluated (Suri & Clarke, 2009). This way a test research determines the raw material that a theory will apply in its analysis, to provide the basis for which the theory can be determined to be either effective or faulty. Research provides an avenue for theory utility The relationship between research and theory has been observed to be bi-dimensional. Each concept contributes to the other in a particular way. However, research forms an avenue through which any theory is put into practice (Gay & Weaver, 2011). A research is an inquiry into a certain area of study, with the aim of generating more knowledge, or even explaining the occurrences of phenomena, based on the data collected either directly from the field, or through the synthesis and recap of the data that has already been collected and recorded. However, in doing all this, it takes the form of raising some questions, which are then to be answered in the course of undertaking the research. The answers are expressed in form of findings and conclusions, giving the research its significance and relevance. Nevertheless, the formulation of research questions and research objectives are dependent on the existing theories and theoretical frameworks, which inform the knowledge gap that exists, or raises a social issue or social concern that needs being addressed (Ellis & Levy, 2008). In this case, research then paves a way for the utilization of theory, through allowing it to form the basis of research questions and research objectives formulation. The avenue paved by research for theory utilization can either be incremental or revelatory. The utility channel provided by the incremental theory means that the research paves a way for the theory to be improved and advanced further, to eventually come up with more additions on the theoretical concept in question. On the other hand, a revelatory theoretical avenue means that the research does not work towards increasing the knowledge base as presented by a theory, but concentrates on refining the theory and dissecting it further, to eventually come up with a more concise theoretical concept or framework, that is more particular to a discipline, or that tackles a specific social issue (Hay & Lee, 2009). Thus, in this aspect, research becomes a channel through which a theory is utilized, since a theory is meant to be applied, so that its relevance and significance can be realized. It is through the utilization of theory in research, that any theory becomes relevant. References Ellis, T., & Levy, Y. (2008). Framework of problem-based research: A guide for novice researchers on the development of a research-worthy problem. International Journal of an Emerging Transdiscipline 11, 17-30. Gay, B., & Weaver, S. (2011). Theory building and paradigms: A primer on the nuance of theory construction. American International Journal of Contemporary Research 2. 9, 89-97. Harlow, E. (2009). Contribution, theoretical. American International Journal of Contemporary Research 2. Hay, J., & Lee, S. (2009). Theory building through qualitative research: Marshalling opportunities to advance cancer screening efforts. Health Education Behavior 36. 5. 145-149. Rynes, S. & Gephart, R. (2004). Qualitative research and the academy of management journal. Academy of Management Journal, 47, 454-462. Southern, S., & Delvin, J. (2010). Theory development: A bridge between practice and research. Suri, H. & Clarke, D. (2009). Advancements in research synthesis methods: From a methodologically inclusive perspective. Review of Educational Research, 79, 395-429. Read More