Theory is a conceptual framework that provides explanations, while research systematically generates new knowledge. Theories are developed through a process of hypothesis generation and testing via research. Research involves making observations and conducting experiments to collect empirical evidence, which can then be used to reformulate and refine existing theories or develop new ones. The relationship between theory and research is complementary and interdependent - research initiates and tests theories, while theories guide further research by identifying relationships to study.

1. THEORY AND RESEARCH
PRESENTED BY
HADIA MOHNIS
INSHA SAQIB
JAVERIA ISHFAQ
SANIA
FATIMA TARIQ RAJA
● INTRODUCTION:
What IS Theory and Research?

2. Theory can be defined as the generalized thinking or a conclusion of something, which is
a result of an analysis. Theories are always proven scientifically with evidence. Both
social and physical scientists engage in theorizing knowledge, which helps humans to
understand things clearly. Theory is different from a hypothesis. Hypothesis is merely an
idea or a concept, which is not scientifically analyzed. These are the assumptions made
by scientists before an investigation. However, once the hypotheses are analyzed and
proved to be correct, they are recognized as theories. But not all hypotheses become
theories.
Moreover, a theory can be used as a tool to understand, explain and make predictions
about a concept. Theories tell and explain us what something is. However, theories are
just conceptual frameworks. There is no practical aspect included in them.
Research is a way of expanding the existing knowledge base and creating new
knowledge. This is a creative work that is done systematically in order to increase
the stock of knowledge of humans and also to use this knowledge to make new
applications. Usually, a research is preceded by a hypothesis. When a problem
arises, scientists usually make a hypothesis around the problem. Then, they apply
various research methodologies in order to find out whether the hypothesis is
correct or not. If the research gives a positive result, there is a possibility for the
hypothesis to become a theory. Or else, the scientists would have to make new
assumptions and continue the research. There are various kinds of research too.
Scientific, humanistic, economic, social, business, etc. are some of the research
fields. All in all, research can be identified as one of the main and basic
requirements of the study fields since it generates new knowledge. Any research

3. could be repeated and should be scientific too.
"Research is a scientific and systematic search for various
information about a specific topic." In simple words research means
to search again and again. Also, it is a systematized effort to gain
knowledge.
It is a journey from unknown to known or from problem to solution. Research
indulges in a process to learn something systematically which eventually increases
the knowledge. Research always tries to adopt the methods and guidelines, tools
and techniques which have already been developed by senior researchers so that
results can be reliable and authentic.
Types of Research

4. On the basis of purpose:
The purpose of research is an ongoing process of correcting and refining hypotheses
which should lead to the acceptance of certain scientific truths.
Exploration:
▪ To explore or to gain knowledge on different/multiple topics.
▪ It involves familiarizing a researcher with a topic.
▪ It satisfies the researchers curiosity and desire for improved understanding.
▪ The more we explore, the more we are satisfied.
▪ It tests the feasibility of undertaking a more extensive study. (because of qualitative
data)
▪ It also helps to develop the methods that will be used in study.
Description:
▪ It involves describing the situations and events through scientific observations.
▪ Scientific descriptions are more accurate and precise.
▪ In this stage, researchers present information in the form of documents or reports
in front of society.

5. Explanation:
▪ It involves the answering to questions of" WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, and HOW"
▪ Explanatory study also answers questions of "WHY".
▪ It involves two types of explanatories:
1. Ideographic
2. Nomothetic
Ideographic Nomothetic
Explanation is a full detailed, in depth
understanding of a case for practical
reasons.
Explanation generalized understanding of
a given case.
It involves a small sample with detailed
explanation.
With a goal of finding new factors that can
account for many of the variations in a
given phenomenon is applicable to many
subjects.
Qualitative data Quantitative data
⮚ On the Basis of Nature:
1. Qualitative
2. Quantitative
Qualitative Quantitative
This type of research is based on opinions
and experiences.
This type of research is based on
numbers.

6. It has a smaller sample. It has a larger sample.
It consists of open-ended questions. It consists of mostly closed ended
questions.
This type of research requires few
respondents.
This type of research requires many
respondents.
Data collection in this type includes
interviews, case studies and literature
review.
Data collection in this type includes
surveys, experiments, and observation.
Data can be observed and not measured. Data can be measured accurately.
On the basis of method:
On the basis of method research has the following types.
● Historical Research
● Descriptive Research
● Ex-post-Facto Research
● Experimental Research
● Field Study
Research and Theory
Role of Theory in Research:
Theory help research in several ways:
A. Theory delimits the study:
Theory helps the researcher to work within a framework.
B. Theory Provides Conceptual Models:
Theory provides a conceptual framework for a study. It helps a researcher to
develop conceptual structure for the proper formulation of the selected problems.

7. C. Theory Summarizes:
Theory summarizes what is already known about the object of study. In each
area, scientists move from older systems of theory towards a more acceptable new
system.
D. Theory states universal law:
Theory states a general uniformity beyond the immediate observations, e.gA
person sitting under a mango tree observes mango falling on ground. But beyond this
observation there is a general law of gravitation.
E. Prediction:
Theory helps to predict further facts, e.g., we may observe low birth rates in modern
societies. From this, we can predict that if a modern way of life is introduced into traditional
rural or tribal communities, its birth rate would decline.
F. Theory Fill Gaps in Knowledge:
The knowledge gap is highlighted through the questions arising out of theory.
Role of Research in Theory
The relationship between theory and Research is contributory. Research contributes to
the development of theory.
A. Research Initiate Theory:
The finding of research may lead to formulation of theories.
B. Research Tests an Existing Theory:
One major function of empirical research is to test hypothesis educated from existing
theories. If hypothesis is not confirmed by research, the theory from which hypothesis
deducted is reexamined and tested.

8. C. Reformulation of an Existing Theory:
When a theory does not fit into new findings of research, it is rejected and reformulated
to encompass the new findings.
D. Research Refocus Theory:
Empirical research may give a new focus to the existing theory.
E. Research Clarifies Theory:
Through research we clarify existing theories.
THEORY VERSUS IDEOLOGY:
Many people confuse social theory with either a sociopolitical ideology or a moral religious
doctrine . This is understandable.In daily life we encounter many doctrines and ideologies
that share features with social theory. Social theory is based on logic, empirical tests and
many more. While on the other hand ideology is based upon political values or faith with
assumptions , concepts, relationships among concepts, and explanation. It is a closed
system that resists change.As an “ almost “ theory , ideology lacks critical features
required of a true scientific theory . We can distinguish ideologiesfrom theories in SEVEN
ways:
● Certainty of answers
● Types of knowledge systems differ.
● Type of assumption differs.
● Use of normative statement differ
● Use of empirical evidence differ
● Demand for logical consistency different

9. ● Transparency differs
What comes first _______ theory or research”
The answer is as simple as the chicken-egg riddle, whether the chicken comes first or the
egg.. Actually, theory and research are so interlinked, that it would be unwise to consider
them separately. These are two complementary phenomena. Theory development is
characterized by the two processes, i.e., Theory generation and theory testing. The
observations made through scientific research are organized through the induction
system of reasoning to formulate a general explanation of the phenomenon called theory.
Then hypotheses are stated for specific observations through the deductive system of
reasoning. Theory testing is eventually done through research based upon these
hypotheses.Theory by providing a scientifically acceptable set of principles to explain a
phenomenon3 performs numerous general functions proceeding from the scientific
researcher to the research consumer.Theory facilitates the inter-relatedness of isolated
facts and observation in an organized and systematic manner. So an efficient mechanism
is developed for accumulation of coherent research findings. Consequently knowledge
becomes more accessible to both the practitioner and the researcher. The condensation
of knowledge by theory is crucial for the advancement of the knowledge base.
Theory provides guidance by identifying a chain of events in a phenomenon. Eventually
a frilly developed theory takes one leap forward to explain why and how the phenomenon
has occurred. The ideal state of theory development would be that it achieves the ability
of bringing profitable change in the environment..Research is like traveling to a new

10. destination. There are chances that you can reach there without a map, but that would
relatively be not a logical way to reach the destination. Theory generates the idea in us
to enquire what would be its application in situations known to us.
Difference Between Research and Theory
Theory Research
Definition Theory is a generalized
concept which provides an
explanation to existing
things
Research is a way of
expanding the existing
knowledge base and
creating new knowledge.
Nature Theory is a conceptual
framework. Theory is used
to explain things.
Research is a creative
work that generates new
knowledge.
Practical Nature Theory does not include
practical elements.
Research is mostly a
practical approach.
Arrangements Theory is usually a result of
research. An assumption is
made to a theory after a
series of research.
Research is usually
preceding theories. Based
on the results of the
research, a theory is made.
Conclusion

11. Though theory and research are inseparable terms in the field of education, there
exists a difference between them. Both theory and research are concepts used in almost
all the study fields. Theory is a generalized thinking or a conclusion of something which
is a result of an analysis. Theory could be defined as the end result of an analysis. Also,
theories usually answer questions and there is the possibility for it to be accepted in one
time as well as to be rejected in later periods and vice versa.
Research, on the other hand, is a way that is used to create new knowledge. It is
a methodology that is practiced systematically that increases the awareness of humans,
society, culture, and nature.
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