Discussion: Role of Theory in Research

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Week 2: Theory 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. 14). 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.   Learning Objectives Students will: 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 Learning Resources Required Readings de Vaus, D. A. (2001). Research design in social research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Research Design in Social Research by De Vaus, D.A. Copyright 2001 Sage Publications Ltd. Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications Ltd., via the Copyright Clearance Center. ·        Chapter 1, “The Context of Design”   Burkholder, G. J., Cox, K. A., Crawford, L. M., & Hitchcock, J.H. (Eds.) (2020). Research design and methods: An applied guide for the scholar-practitioner. SAGE Publications, Inc. ·        Chapter 3, “Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks in Research” Babbie, E. (2017). Basics of social research (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. ·        Chapter 2, “Paradigms, Theory, and Research” Walden University: Library. (2015b). Searching and finding information in the library databases: Overview. Retrieved from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/searchingfinding   Be sure to review all sections within this guide: “Overview,” “Keyword Searching,” “Subject and Index Searching,” and “Find Full Text.”   Walden University: Library. (2015c). Theorists and theories: Discover theorists & theories. Retrieved from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/theory   Be sure to review all sections within this guide: “Discover Theorists & Theories,” “Find Books by Theorists,” and “Find Articles by Theorists.”   Required Media Laureate Education (Producer). (2009f). Theory [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.   Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 23 minutes.   Dr. Patton discusses the “big picture” of theory.   Accessible player  –Downloads– Download Video w/CC Download Audio Download Transcript Walden University: Library. (2015a). Introduction to the Walden Library [Online webinar]. Retrieved from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/c.php?g=80773&p=518353#85643   Discussion: Role of Theory in Research 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:   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 Drs. Burkholder and Burbank 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?” (p. 27).  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.