Essay on relationship between theory and research
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Psychology
Relationship between Theory And Research
3094 words (12 pages) Essay in Psychology
19/07/17 Psychology Reference this
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2.0. Introduction
Research methodology is a term used to define the overall systematic approach undertaken in the process of trying to solve a research problem(s). It is also understood as the science of studying how research is done scientifically (Kothari, 2004). Neuman (2006, pg. 60) stated that “methodology is what makes social science scientific”. It is very important to distinguish it from research method, which is the scientific techniques employed in the execution of a piece of research (Sim, 2000, Sim and Wright, 2000). When research methodology is mentioned, what should be considered is research method as well as the logic behind the research method and why the method was chosen (Kothari, 2004). Thus, methodology describes the overall approach taken in a piece of research, with particular emphases on the general principles of investigation that guides a study, based on its underlying theoretical and philosophical assumptions (Sim and Wright, 2000). The chapter will provide information about methodology in the context of research by giving the reader an insight into the process of deciding upon the methodology to be employed in research studies based on underlying theoretical and philosophical assumptions and how the choice of a literature review as a methodology was chosen as the most appropriate methodology to adopt for answering the research question for this study. Furthermore, process of literature review as a methodological approach will be discussed.
2.1. Relationship between Theory and Research
Characterising the nature of the relationship between theory and research is not a straight forward matter, however, it remains important because it can be used to provide a framework and rationale for research that is being conducted (Bryman, 2008). However, (Sim and Wright, 2000) mentioned that on a general note, research has as one of its main purposes, the enrichment of theoretical knowledge; either by building upon current knowledge of an existing topic or by extending understanding into an unexplored area. Before trying to understand the relationship between theory and research, it is necessary to give an insight into what theory really is and the role of theory in research. There are several definitions of theory. But, the most commonly used definition especially in the context of research design, refer to theory as an explanation of a pattern or regularity that has been observed, the cause and reason for which needs to be understood (Blaikie, 2000; Bryman, 2008). This definition shows that theories are formulated based on observations. In order to explain the process of theory formulation and how the process relates to research, some writers have classified theoretical activities into a number of levels to aid understanding. One of such classifications that described five levels of theoretical activities as it relates to research was reported by Blaikie (2000). This particular classification system provides a way of understanding the interwoven nature of theory and research and could perhaps give a picture of the role of theory in research.
At the first level (Ad hoc classification), observations are made and recorded as data. These data are then summarised into classes using pre-defined classificatory system that have not necessarily been derived from any theory, but may later be incorporated into a theoretical scheme. At the second level (Categorical system or taxonomy), possible relationship between classes or categories are stated, but the activity still remains at the level of description whereas the third level (Conceptual schemes), involves the development of proposition about the relationship between concepts that can be applied in a wide range of situation. They may also include some assumptions about causal connections. It is only after these three levels that a theoretical argument can be constructed by combining together taxonomy and conceptual schemes with the aim of finding an explanation.