Ethical Issues

Now let us consider the functions or uses of a theory. Even though some of the uses of a theory may have been implied in the definition we still want to mention some of these uses separately, for the purpose of clarity. Of all the immense benefits of a theory we are going to discuss the following:-

• Building knowledge

• Binding knowledge together

• Guiding research.

3.4.1. THEORY BUILDING KNOWLEDGE

Now let us consider the role of a theory in knowledge building. We want you to realize that theories provide complex and comprehensive conceptual understandings of things that cannot be pinned down. For instance, it is through theories that we get to know how societies work, how organizations operate,

why people interact in certain ways. As a matter of fact, we want you to realize that theories play a big role in generating new hypothesis to be tested.

THEORY BINDING KNOWLEDGE TOGETHER

Now let us consider the role of a theory in binding knowledge together. Of course you know that it is one thing to build knowledge, but it is yet another to bind such knowledge together. We want you to realize that one of the greatest functions of theories is that they serve as a glue. This is because theories hold seemingly, isolated findings together, providing a framework upon which knowledge can be built. What we are saying, mark you, is that if there were no theories research would consist of disparate findings which bore no relation to one another. For instance, you should realize that if psychologists did not rely upon theories, psychological research would not be able to move forward in the sense that it would not be able to link facts.

THEORY AS A GUIDE TO RESEARCH

Now let us consider the role of a theory as a guide to research. Clearly, we want you to note that theories and research are inseparable. First of all let us quickly say that there are many ways in which theories and research go hand in hand. We can at least mention the guiding role of theory in the following areas:-

• Generating research questions

• Providing literature review

• Useful in the discussion of findings.

3.4.3.1 THEORY A SOURCE OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS Now let us consider the role of a theory in generating research questions. Here we want you to realize that no meaningful research can take place without research questions. Here it is the theories that, as it were, give researchers different lenses through which to look at complicated problems and social issues. You know that it is by asking pertinent research questions that it will be possible for the researcher’s attention to be focused on different aspects of data.

3.4.3.2. THEORY PROVIDING LITERATURE REVIEW Now let us consider the role of theory in providing literature review. You should realize that without thorough literature review there would be no theoretical framework based on which the analysis will be conducted. It is through the available theory that the researcher can search literature to know what has been done earlier on a particular problem, to ascertain the worthwhile

gap to be filled, in short to find out which breakthrough is likely to emanate from the current research.

3.4.3.3. THEORY USEFUL IN DISCUSSING FINDINGS Now let us consider the role of theories in this area. You should realize that it is the underlying theory that will guide the discussion of the findings, to know whether the findings corroborate the theory, whether there are new perspectives being suggested by the findings, whether there are new hypotheses to be generated, etc…. (i.e. pointing the way forward).

3.5. SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISES

Mention 4 types of theories in psychology.

Possible answers include:

• Theories of motivation

• Theories of intelligence

• Theories of learning

• Theories of development

4.0. CONCLUSION

In this Unit we have been discussing about the concept of theories. You have learnt about the definition of a theory. You have learnt about the fact that a theory can be a branch of science or art consisting of its explanatory statements.

You learnt that theory could be an assumption or belief guiding action or assisting comprehension or judgment. You even learnt that theory could be a well-substantiated explanation of some aspects of the natural world, an organized system of accepted knowledge applicable to a variety of circumstances. You also learnt that a theory could be a tentative insight into the natural world, i.e. that a hypothesis that is yet to be verified, upon verification can become a scientific theory. In all you learnt that a theory is a knowledge-related construct. As a knowledge-knowledge-related construct you learnt that a theory could be useful not only in building knowledge, but can also bind disparate knowledge together thereby serving as glue. You equally learnt that as a knowledge-related construct a theory is a perfect guide for a researcher, providing him with different lenses through which to look at complicated problems. It provides him the appropriate research questions to illuminate his search. You learnt that a theory also provides the researcher with the literature review that will inform the researcher on work already done on a particular problem, what aspects were left unattended to, such that if well focused his research will now provide a breakthrough. You learnt that the theory would help a researcher in discussing his findings and also generating further testable hypothesis.

5.0. SUMMARY

The topic of our discussion in this unit has been the concept of theories. You have learnt to define a theory. You can now distinguish different definitions of a theory. You can now mention some types of theories. You can now mention the functions of a theory.

There is no doubt that what you have learnt in this unit will be very useful to you for the rest of the units in this course.

6.0. TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENTS