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Role of theory in Research

Explain the role of theory in Research

Use research database and scholary source to identify a theory in your discpline . Explain basic tents of a theory

Describe alignment between epistemological and ontological assumptions of theory and philosophical orientations

Apply APA style

Theory is a natural extension of the philosophy of science, and a theoretical framework(s) will typically underpin most research studies. As you evaluate research, and consider your own research topic, you will find that “philosophy, theory, and method are interrelated and fit together like pieces in a puzzle . . . One’s philosophical perspectives affect the way one chooses a theoretical perspective” (Miller & Burbank, 1994, as cited in Burkholder & Burbank, p. 16).

This week, you will explore two pieces of this puzzle as you consider the role of theory in research and apply what you learned from last week to understanding the connection between philosophical orientations and the epistemological and ontological assumptions of theory. You will also use research databases to identify a theory in your discipline and explain its basic tenets.

  • Explain role of theory in research
  • Use research databases and scholarly sources to identity a theory in your discipline
  • Explain basic tenets of a theory
  • Describe alignment between epistemological and ontological assumptions of a theory and philosophical orientations
  • Apply APA Style to writing

Popular usage of the word “theory” may sometimes imply a singular, often grand idea. The world, however, is complex, and the systems designed to understand it, such as theory, are often intricate in order to sufficiently explain the world as it is. Indeed, as you will learn this week, theory is nuanced, and it can also be viewed as a combination of variables, ideas, or constructs to test or advance a research question. In addition, theory tends to play a different role in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research.

For this Discussion, you will consider the role of theory in research and the relationship between theory and philosophical orientations. You will also familiarize yourself with a theory in your field so that you may become more conversant in your discipline’s theoretical foundations.

With these thoughts in mind:

BY DAY 4

Post an explanation of the role of theory in research. Next, identify a theory in your discipline and explain its basic tenets. Then, with this theory in mind, consider your answer to the following question posed by Dr. Burkholder in last week’s reading: “What do I have to believe about the world and about human beings in order for me to accept or use this theory?” Finally, describe the extent to which the epistemological and ontological assumptions of your chosen theory align with the philosophical orientation that reflects your worldview.

Be sure to support your Main Issue Post and Response Post with reference to the week’s Learning Resources and other scholarly evidence in APA Style.

 

Last Updated on June 6, 2019

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