The document discusses the role of theory in research. It defines theory as an attempt to generally explain phenomena and notes there are three ways theory can be used in research: as a paradigm, lens, or for generating new knowledge. Theory as a paradigm refers to the philosophical assumptions that guide a study. As a lens, existing theories can provide models to explain topics. Emerging theory from a study contributes new knowledge. The document also discusses inductive and deductive reasoning in theory development, characteristics of strong theory, and factors to consider when choosing a theory.

1. ROLE OF THEORY IN
RESEARCH
BY:- AMAN QURESHI
MME 5
CLUSTER INNOVATION CENTRE
University of Delhi
MSc. Mathematics Education

2. Research
“Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to
increase our understanding of a topic or issue”
By John W. Creswell

3. Theory
 A theory is an attempt to develop a general explanation for some
phenomenon.
 Theories are formulated to explain, predict, and understand phenomena and,
in many cases, to challenge and extend existing knowledge within the limits of
critical bounding assumptions.

4. Three ways of thinking about theory
• That which underpins research design(Theory as paradigm)
• That which may inform our understanding of the phenomenon under
investigation(Theory as a ‘lens’)
• That which may emerge from our study( Theory as new knowledge )

5. Theory as a paradigm
• Philosophical assumptions about what constitutes social reality (ontology)
• What we accept as valid evidence of that reality (epistemology)
• The means by which we investigate that context (methodology)
• The means by which we gather evidence (methods)

6. Theory as a lens
Existing theory(s) which seek to explain how aspects of social reality ‘work’ (models).
• Models of learning
Behaviorist (Skinner); Constructivist (Piaget); Social constructivist (Vygotsky); Deep learning
(Anderson)
• Models of professional/expertise development
Situated learning; Communities of practice (Lave; Wenger)
• Models of second language acquisition
Krashen’s SLA theory;

7. Theory as a new knowledge
• Adaptation, revision or confirmation of existing theory
• Generation of new theory
• Relates to conceptual framework

8. Characteristics of theory
• Theory guides research and organises its ideas. The analogy of bricks lying
around haphazardly in the brickyard: ‘facts’ of different shapes and sizes have
no meaning unless they are drawn together in a theoretical or conceptual
framework.
• Theory becomes stronger as more supporting evidence is gathered; and it
provides a context for predictions.
• Theory has the capacity to generate new research.
• Theory is empirically relevant and always tentative.

9. Development of theory
1. Factor isolating or descriptive theory which focuses on describing
phenomena
2. factor relating or explanatory theory which focuses on explaining
phenomena
3. Situation relating which is used to predict the relationship between or
among phenomena
4. Situation producing which deals with controlling phenomena and relating
between or amongst phenomena

10. Inductive theory
• INDUCTIVE REASONING (THE EMPIRICIST’S APPROACH) Inductive reasoning
starts from specific observations or sensory experiences and then develops a
general conclusion from them.
For example :-All the giraffes that I have seen (Repeated observations) have
very long necks. Therefore I conclude that all (Conclusion) giraffes have long
necks.

11. Deductive theory
• DEDUCTIVE REASONING (THE RATIONALIST’S APPROACH)-Deductive
reasoning begins with general statements (premises) and, through logical
argument, comes to a specific conclusion.
For example :- All living things (General statement – first premise) will
eventually die.This animal is a living thing. (Inference – second premise)
Therefore, this animal (Conclusion) will eventually die.

12. How to choose a theory
• An essential characteristic of a good theory is that it is testable.
• A good theory is not only testable but also falsifiable.
• A good theory deals with some significant phenomenon or behavior that
needs explanation, such as learning or motivation.
• A good theory provides the simplest, clearest, and most plausible explanation
for the phenomenon.
• A good theory has internal consistency; its propositions do not contradict one
another.

13. References
• RESEARCH METHODS THE BASICS by Nicholas Walliman
• INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH IN EDUCATION by DONALD ARY ;LUCY CHESER JACOBS
; CHRIS SORENSEN
• https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Barbara_Kawulich/publication/201834276_Th
e_Role_of_Theory_in_Research/links/004635266b71090c01000000/The-Role-of-
Theory-in-Research.pdf?origin=publication_detail
• https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/2317618/mod_resource/content/1/BLOCO
%202_Research%20Methods%20The%20Basics.pdf
• The%20role%20of%20theory%20in%20research%20.pdf
• Introduction%20to%20theory.pdf

14. Thank you