role of theory in research

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ROLE OF THEORY IN RESEARCH
INTRODUCTION:-
Human beings are distinct from animal because of their knowledge and ability to use of this
knowledge. This knowledge broadly consist of facts and theories only because of this
knowledge we are on the path to the knowledge broadly consist facts and theories.
Discoveries inventions and research are vehicles on this route. The reliable knowledge is
based on the objectives and scientific verification of observation and generalization.
All the branches or area of the knowledge require research to be done for this renewing
the knowledge adding new facts, and the importance of the knowledge in present situation
is describe with the help of research. The research is enrich the knowledge and research
connected the new facts and old theories and produce much applicable knowledge which
helpful for modern situation or present time.
MEANING OF RESEARCH:-
The term research is a combination of two words “Re” and “Search”. “Re” means again
and again and “Search” refers to explore something new.
R- Rational way of thinking
E- Expert and Exhaustive treatment
S-Search for solutions
E-Exactness
A-Analytical analysis of adequate data
R-Relationship between facts and theories

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C-Constructive attitude
H-Honest and Hard work
DEFINITION OF RESEARCH:-
According to Burn (1994), Research is a systematic investigation to find answers to problems.
According to Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (1952), Research is a careful investigation or
inquiry-specially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge.
According to John W. Best-Research is considered to be formal, systematic and intensive
process of carrying on the scientific method of analysis. It involves more scientific structure
of investigation, usually resulting in some sort of formal record of procedure and report of
result conclusion.
Red man and Mory define research as a “systematized effort to gain new knowledge”.
Research is one of the way to find answers to your question. Research is a way of thinking,
examining critically the various aspects of your day to day professional work; understanding
and formulating guiding principles that govern a particular procedure; and developing and
testing new theories for the enhancement of your practice.
DEFINITION OF THEORY
 Theory is a model or framework for observation and understanding, which shapes
both what we see and how we see it.
 Theory is a generalised statement that asserts a connection between two or
more types of phenomena-any generalised explanatory principle

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 Theory explains and predicts the relationship between variables.
CHARATERISTICS OF THEORY
 Theory guides research and organises its ideas.
 Theory becomes stronger as more supporting evidence is gathered; and it provides
a context for prediction.
 Theory has a capacity to generate new research.
 Theory is empirically relevant and always tentative.
THEORY VS. HYPOTHESES
Hypothesis usually predicts the relationship between two or more variables. Hypotheses are
more specific than theories. Multiple hypothesis may relate to one theory. The theories that
you use in your research operates at different levels:
(a) Micro-level theory
(b) Meso-level theory
(c) Macro-level theory
(a) MICRO-LEVEL THEORY:-
It seeks to explain behaviour at the level of the individual or family environment.
Ex-psychology, aggression hypothesis etc..

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(b) MESO-LEVEL THEORY:-
It seeks to explain the interactions of micro-level organisation.
Ex- social institution, communities etc..
(c) MACRO-LEVEL THEORY:-
It seeks to explain behaviour at the level of large group of people.
EX- ethnicity, class, gender etc.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THEORY AND RESEARCH:
 Theory frames what we look at, how we think and look at it.
 It provides basic concepts and direct us to the important questions.
 It suggests ways for us to make sense of research data.
 Theory enables us to connect a single study to the immense base of knowledge to
which other researchers contribute.
 It helps researcher see the forest instead of just a single tree.
 Theory increases a researcher’s awareness of interconnections and of the broader
significance of data.
 Theories are, by their nature, abstract and provide a selective and one-sided account
of the many-sided concrete social world.

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 Theory allows the researcher to make link between the abstract and concrete, the
theoretical and the empirical, thought statements and observational statements etc.
 There is a two-way relationship between theory and research. Social theory informs
our understanding of issues, in turn, assists us in making research decisions and
making sense of world.
 Theory is not fixed; it is provisional, open to revision and grows into more accurate
and comprehensive explanations about the make-up and operation of the social
world.
INDUCTIVE THEORY:-
Inductive theorising begins with a few assumption and broad orienting concepts.
Theory develops from the ground up as the researchers gather and analyse the data. Theory
emerges slowly, concept by concept, and position by position, in a specific area. Over time,
the concepts and empirical generalisations emerge and mature soon, relationships become
visible and researchers weave knowledge from different studies into more abstract
theory. Empirical generalizations posit the most basic relationship between concepts.

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Ex- most people I know who drive small Japanese cars are under 30 years of age.
DEDUCTIVE THEORY:-
In a deductive approach, researchers use theory to guide the design of a study and the
interpretation of results. As researchers continue to conduct empirical research in testing a
theory, they develop confidence that some parts of it are true. Researchers may modify some
propositions of a theory or reject them if several well- conducted studies have negative
findings. A theory’s core propositions and central tenets are more difficult to test and are
refuted less often. In a slow process, researchers may decide to abandon or change a theory
as the evidence against it mounts over time and cannot be logically reconciled.
CONCLUSION:-
Research is intended to helps us understand why research should mater the problem. It
synthesises the key points to recommend new areas for future research.
REFERENCE:-
1. The role of theory, www.wc.ac.za>document.com
2. Research method