Theory and practice are interdependent. Sailing without a charted course leads to uncertainty, while remaining on shore provides no experience. Theories help challenge underlying assumptions and common sense, which are often just prejudices acquired during childhood. Evidence-based practice using research studies is preferable to decisions based on intuition or habit alone. Theories can aid practitioners by providing a framework to systematically gather and apply knowledge.

1. Theory Versus Practice
(… or Theory And Practice?)

2. (Susser 1968)
• “... to practice without
theory is to sail an
uncharted sea; theory
without practice is not to
set sail at all”.

3. Theory as an aid to challenging
underlying assumptions

4. What do we need theories for…?
It’s just common sense, innit?
• How do you ‘know’ what you ‘know’ is right?
• ‘Common Sense’?
• “Common sense is the collection of prejudices
acquired by age eighteen”.
(Albert Einstein)
• “Common sense is not so common”.
(Voltaire)

5. Evidence-based practice vs. intuition
• EBP basic principles are that all practical
decisions made should be based on research
studies rather than habits or reactively.

6. Has Theory been any use to you?