Role of theory in research and the relationship between theory and philosophical orientations

Sample Solution

The Power of Theory: Guiding Research and Understanding Worldviews

Theory plays a central role in research, acting as a foundational framework that guides inquiry and interpretation (Corbin & Strauss, 2015). It provides a lens through which researchers examine phenomena, offering a set of interrelated concepts, propositions, and assumptions that explain or predict relationships between variables (Hodkinson et al., 2018). Theories offer several key benefits:

• Direction: They help researchers identify relevant questions and variables to study, preventing a random or scattershot approach to research (Baker, 2022).
• Explanation: Theories provide a framework for interpreting findings and drawing conclusions about the phenomenon under investigation (Bryman, 2016).
• Prediction: Well-developed theories can predict future outcomes or relationships based on established principles (Wimmer & Dominick, 2019).

The choice of theory often intertwines with a researcher's philosophical orientation. These orientations represent broad worldviews that shape how researchers approach knowledge and reality (Guba & Lincoln, 1994). For instance, a positivist orientation emphasizes objectivity and the scientific method, aligning well with theories that prioritize quantitative data and hypothesis testing. Conversely, a constructivist orientation acknowledges the subjective nature of knowledge,

Full Answer Section

Theory in Action: Social Cognitive Theory

Let's consider Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) developed by Albert Bandura (1986) as an example. SCT proposes that learning and behavior are influenced by a triadic reciprocal interaction between personal factors (beliefs, self-efficacy), environmental factors (modeling, social cues), and behavior itself. Here, Drs. Burkholder and Burbank's question (2023) becomes relevant:

What do I have to believe about the world and human beings for me to accept or use this theory?

To embrace SCT, one must believe in the following:

• Human agency: Individuals are not simply passive recipients of information; they actively learn, interpret, and make choices based on their cognitive processes.
• Importance of learning through observation: Observing others (modeling) plays a significant role in acquiring new behaviors and shaping expectations of self-efficacy.
• Influence of social context: The environment, including social interactions and available resources, plays a crucial role in shaping behavior.

Epistemological and Ontological Alignment

SCT aligns with a social constructivist orientation in its epistemology, which emphasizes the socially constructed nature of knowledge. Learning through observation and the influence of social context highlight how knowledge is shaped by interactions and interpretations within a particular social environment. Ontologically, SCT leans towards a moderate realism, acknowledging an objective reality but recognizing the role of individual interpretations in shaping our understanding of that reality.

In conclusion, theory plays a vital role in research by providing direction, explanation, and predictive power. The choice of theory often reflects a researcher's philosophical orientation. Social Cognitive Theory serves as an example, demonstrating how a theory's core tenets align with specific epistemological and ontological assumptions. By understanding the interplay between theory, philosophical orientations, and our own worldviews, we can become more critical and well-informed researchers and consumers of research.

References

Baker, R. (2022). Theory: An introduction. SAGE Publications Ltd.

Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Prentice-Hall.

Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods. Oxford University Press.

Corbin, J., & Strauss, A. (2015). Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory (4th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.

Guba, E. G., & Lincoln, Y. S. (1994). Competing paradigms in qualitative research. SAGE Publications, Inc.

Hodkinson, P., Hodkinson, S., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2018). Exploring the development of sociological theory (5th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.

Wimmer, R. D., & Dominick, J. R. (2019). Mass media research: An introduction (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.