Researchers must make many choices throughout the course of their

work (Sannders et al .;2019) some of this choices relate to the research

technique which is the approach to theory involved either
abduction ,deduction or induction ,what data source should I use ? other
often less consciously made decision that relate to the research
paradigm .These include considerations about the nature of realities that
we encounter in our research (ontological questions ),the nature of
valuable human knowledge (epistemological question ),and the extend
and ways that our values should influence the research process
(axiological questions ) . According to Kuhn (2015), a paradigm is
essentially a theoretical framework. It provides the sum of a set of
hypotheses, ontology, epistemology, and methods for scientific research
and is generally accepted by researchers (Scotland, 2012). All these
choice are influenced by each researchers background
environment ,incentives and socialization ,collectively ,the decision that are
shaped by ,but also help to create a disciplines distinctive system of
knowledge .Theories provide the conceptual base to explain phenomena,
organize complex realities into understandable frameworks, and generate
hypotheses that are systematically tested through research. Theory offers a
roadmap for the research process, helping to shape research questions
and focusing attention on specific aspects of the topic under investigation.
Theory plays a vital role in research. Theory provides explanation,
understanding and meaningfulness to research. Theory helps to predict
facts and to identify unexplored research areas. Research without theory is
less emphatic to establish the relationship among attributes, variables or
data. It at the outset, should emphatically establish or explain how and why
something is as it is in any kind of research. It helps to explain and extend
knowledge about a phenomenon. On the other hand, theory and research
together lay the foundation for practice. Theory helps to link the abstract
and concrete which ultimately results in relevant and research application-
oriented practice. This conceptual article substantiates the relevance of
theory in research from initiation to end of research results Theories offer a
conceptual and intellectual foundation for a research project. They
establish the language, structure, and perspective researchers use from
the start to the end of their work. A theory dictates the important questions
researchers should investigate within their field, Theory helps researchers
design their studies and choose the appropriate methods for collecting.
Theories provide the lens through which researchers make sense of the
data they collect, explaining the "why" behind observations by testing and
refining existing theories, or by developing new ones, research expands
our understanding of the world. helps to connect individual studies to a
larger body of knowledge, and facilitates the prediction of outcomes,
allowing for the refinement and advancement of existing knowledge. This
essay critically evaluates the significance of theorization in research,
exploring its role, benefits, and limitations. A researcher who believes their
work is "theory-free" may be mistaken, as their fundamental assumptions,
or theoretical disposition, still guide their approach to the study. Just as
there are many ways to mobilize theory as an empirical or modeling
camera, there exists a vast set of possibilities to use theory as an engine.
As a result, ideas about what constitutes rigor are equally varied (e.g.,
Bartezzaghi, 2007; Ramsay, 2007).
Within the area of education, teachers, principals, policymakers,
curriculum coordinators, and other key people involved are often
responsible for developing and evaluating specific educational programs
for both children and educators. In this programmatic context, the
practicality of theory if change approach has been demonstrated in several
studies (e.g., Armitage et al., 2019; Connell & Klem, 2000; Odom & Wolery,
2016). For example, Connell and Klem (2000) advocated the efficacy
of applying theory of change in educational program planning and
reforming through a detailed demonstration of their real-life case example
of educational reform initiatives carried out in urban schools at a
district level. In their study, expected outcomes (long-term goal) were
proposed, which was to improve the educational and adulthood outcome
of urban students and the quality of teaching and learning. In accordance
with the theory of change approach, program “inputs” in this study were
directed at students, teachers, board of education, and district officers
and personnel, and the “action strategies” (activities) were illustrated as
increasing funding, student engagement, and improving student
performance in the area of math and reading, and so forth, that could
be applied by the “inputs” to deliver expected outcomes. Key steps
(e.g., identifying assumptions and populations, developing action
strategies) involved in the planning process were also illustrated. The
study demonstrated the usefulness of theory of change in educational
program planning and reform. As well, it highlighted the efficacy of
applying theory of change in improving the quality of education programs
Using theory as an "engine" for understanding and changing education
involves applying theoretical frameworks, like learning
theories and theories of change, to guide teaching practices, design
effective curricula, and inform reforms. Theory provides a structured way to
analyze educational problems, predict outcomes, select appropriate
strategies, and evaluate progress, ultimately leading to more informed,
effective, and impactful educational development and improvement for
students, educators, and [Link] as an engine propels a vehicle,
theory provides the primary impetus and power for systematic inquiry,
ensuring that research moves forward in a meaningful direction. Without
theory, research could become a disconnected task of data collection
without purpose, rather than a focused intellectual endeavour Theory
transforms isolated facts and observations into a coherent explanation of
reality. Theories allow for predictions about future situations and are tested
through research to determine their utility and validity. Theories serve as
foundational elements for developing new knowledge and advancing fields
of study. They are the building blocks upon which cumulative knowledge is
constructed, allowing for a deeper understanding of complex issues.
research builds on existing theories, leading to a cumulative understanding
of complex issues. Theories are social constructions that evolve as new
insights and data emerge, contributing to the body of knowledge, Theories
create a common language among researchers, facilitating collaboration
and discourse. They help in bridging gaps between disciplines, fostering
innovative research by providing a shared framework for understanding.
Theoretical frameworks can bridge gaps between disciplines, fostering
innovative research. They allow for the integration of diverse perspectives
and methodologies, enhancing the richness and applicability of research
findings. The empiricist view, informed by positivism, emphasizes the role
of theory in testing and developing the empirical accuracy of causal
relationships between variables. (Colquitt and Zapata-Phelan, 2007).
Empiricism of this kind is pursued by both qualitative and quantitative
researchers, who see clarity in terms of generalization. There exists an
alternative understanding of the use of theory, however: not as a camera
for capturing an external reality, but as an engine for transforming the
world. This view emerges from the observation that scientific theories, such
as those provided by economics, become self-fulfilling or performative,
meaning that they help to create the realities that they propose exist
already (Callon, 1998; MacKenzie and Millo, 2003; Cochoy et al., 2015).
MacKenzie and Millo (2003), for example, describe the process by which
an initially inaccurate asset pricing model, through its diffusion into various
technologies and among traders, created the conditions for assets to act
predictably and as the theory assumed.

Theory, in the context of research, lacks no sanctity. Theory gives sanctity

and charm to research despite being given less importance. Research, for
that matter, starts with and ends with theory. Theory helps researchers to
gain an overall understanding of the concepts involved and concludes with
theory that gives sanctum sanctorum to any kind of research, in any field of
study. It is being said that research without theory is like a human body
without flesh - it is only a skeleton having bones without flesh. It can be
inferred that theory gives beauty to research. It entices the people towards
research and to see the research in total and its wholesomeness. Skeleton
can never be a beauty, it is only a structure of bones. It is in this context, it
is insisted that theory paves and leads the way to the noble thought
process of conception and conviction in the outcomes of research. Theory
is the soul of [Link] is also being insisted and reiterated by thinkers
that the theory helps to see the forest instead of a single tree. Henceforth,
the importance of theory, as part and parcel of research, is inevitable and
essential, in any field of research.
Theory, as a fulcrum of research, guides researchers throughout the
research process. It guides the researcher in every stage of research from
problem formulation to data interpretation. it guides the researchers in
every aspect of research. it is rightly being pointed out that "theory without
practice is empty; practice without theory is blind". theory has a high degree
of explanatory power. it gives meaning to the numerical data and thereafter
gives beauty to research. the importance of theory is emulated in the
following paraphrase as "experience without theory is blind, without theory -
nothing to learn, without theory - there is no learning and theory is a
window into the research / world". it is a base for what to look for and how.
you are going nowhere without theory. theory at the outset is the foundation
and guidance for research. in other words, theory is integral to research
and research is integral to theory. theory helps to carry out full-fledged
research. it helps to construct a building beyond a structure alone. in other
words, theory helps to build a house that is not only made up of bricks and
mortar but the other elements of a building too. hence, it can be concluded
that no research is spanning (without) theory. the anatomy of research
reveals not only the bones but also the flesh/theory forming part of the
research. moreover, theory helps to generate hypotheses that can all be
tested by research. ultimately, the theory and research have a strong
relationship between them. theory and research altogether act as a
foundation for practice in reality.
The researchers in any field of study have to initiate their research from
theory in the respective fields of study. The study of theory provides a
background for the study and thereafter guides in every stage of research.
The data or numerical numbers may be part of research but they alone
cannot satisfy research requirements. On the other hand, the theoretical
explanation for such data or numerical numbers gives wholesomeness to
research. Hence, theory cannot be excluded in every part of research. This
is being emphasized, because in recent years, the researchers, by utilizing
statistical software, are giving more importance to numerical data /
numbers without giving theoretical explanation or interpretation to the data
which they utilized in their research. As stated earlier, a research without
theory / theoretical explanation is just like a human body without flesh. In
other words, the data with theoretical explanation provides beauty to any
kind of research. Let researchers give equal importance to both, to beautify
their research whether it is a quantitative or qualitative research. Let
researchers reflect such aspects in their [Link] interrelationship
between theory and research is complex. A sound theoretical basis is
required for sound research. Theory and research are interdependent to
make sense of research outcomes. Theories help to generate hypotheses.
Such hypotheses can be proved or disproved with the help of research.
Moreover, the research can strengthen the theory or may lead to rejection
or revision of theories. The proper theoretical perspective provides
meaning and significance to the findings of the study. It presents a
systematic view and logical presentation of a phenomenon. The empirical
data is being given sense by theory. While theories operate at a conceptual
level and are logical whereas data, facts and findings operate at the
empirical or observation level. When both of them are integrated, they give
a beautiful picture of the research.
Theories allow researchers to interpret findings within a broader context,
linking results to existing knowledge. They explain relationships among a
set of concepts, which is crucial for understanding the implications of
research findings. Strong theories can predict outcomes, guiding future
research directions. In quantitative studies, theories allow for the prediction
and control of aspects of a phenomenon, while in qualitative studies, they
assist in identifying variables that could be used to test hypotheses.
Theoretical frameworks deepen understanding by connecting various
aspects of a phenomenon. They promote previously insignificant concepts
and contest social and cultural practices, generating novel ways of thinking
and experience. Theories often bridge gaps between disciplines, fostering
comprehensive insights. They are central to research, advancing
knowledge and directing researchers to important questions. Theory helps
to carry out full-fledged research. It helps to construct a building beyond a
structure alone. In other words, theory helps to build a house that is not
only made up of bricks and mortar but the other elements of a building too.
Hence, it can be concluded that no research is spanning (without) theory.
The anatomy of research reveals not only the bones but also the
flesh/theory forming part of the research. Moreover, theory helps to
generate hypotheses that can all be tested by research. Ultimately, the
theory and research have a strong relationship between them. Finally,
theory and research altogether act as a foundation for practice in reality.
Theorisation is significant in research because it . It offers a "lens" to view a
topic, helps to identify research gaps, and frames data analysis, thereby
enhancing the rigour and relevance of the study. While sometimes viewed
as a complex requirement, especially for doctoral-level work, a strong
theoretical framework is essential for producing meaningful and impactful
research. Theories act as a blueprint, providing structure and a specific
perspective for examining a topic. This framework helps researchers ask
relevant questions and interpret data within a particular theoretical lens. It
influences the direction of a study by providing context, focusing attention
on specific aspects, and suggesting appropriate methods for data collection
and analysis. It offer explanations for why something happens as it does,
helping researchers to understand complex phenomena and the
relationships between different variables. Theorisation places new
research findings within the context of existing knowledge, identifying gaps
and contributing to the ongoing development of a field of study. By
providing a systematic and structured approach, theory improves the
scientific rigour of research and helps ensure that the findings have
practical applications and broad significance beyond the immediate
[Link]-established theories can be used to predict potential outcomes
and results of a research study. A theoretical framework provides a set of
concepts and constructs that are used to define and classify key elements
of the research. It helps researchers make sense of their data by offering a
lens through which to interpret patterns and relationships, turning raw data
into meaningful [Link] fields like the social sciences, the consistent
application of theory through research contributes to the overall maturity
and advancement of the discipline. In essence, theorisation is not merely
an academic exercise; it is a fundamental component that lends depth,
direction, and impact to research, transforming observations into a more
comprehensive and applicable understanding of the world.
Theorisation is significant in research because it acts as a "lens" to
examine phenomena, offers a systematic way to understand what is
already known about a topic, identifies gaps in knowledge, and helps
explain and predict results. Without theory, research lacks direction and its
findings lack broader significance and "soul". Theory offers a roadmap for
the research process, helping to shape research questions and focusing
attention on specific aspects of the topic under investigation. A theoretical
framework serves as a foundational structure that links research questions,
methodology, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Theory provides
the concepts and constructs that allow researchers to conceptualize and
classify their findings in a meaningful way. Theory summarizes what is
already known about a subject, including existing generalizations and
relationships between ideas, thereby preventing the study from being
"empty" or a "pile of stones". By contextualizing the study and outlining
existing knowledge, theory helps to pinpoint areas where new research is
needed. Theories explain why certain phenomena occur and can generate
predictions about expected research results, providing a basis for
understanding the data. Theoretical frameworks provide a particular
perspective for interpreting data, helping researchers make sense of the
findings and connect them to broader theoretical discussions. By framing
research and informing its analysis, theoretical frameworks ensure that the
study's findings contribute original and relevant knowledge to the field.
Theories offer different perspectives, or lenses, through which to examine a
topic, leading to a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the research
problem. In essence, theorisation transforms raw data into meaningful
insights that advance understanding and contribute to a larger theoretical
landscape. The premise that theorization is insignificant in research is
flawed;
. It informs research questions, methodological choices, and the overall
coherence of the study, contributing to scholarly discourse and offering
practical benefits by explaining phenomena and solving problems. While
specific situations, like highly exploratory research, might deem a formal
theoretical framework less central, a theoretical underpinning is rarely
absent, as even the researcher's fundamental assumptions can be viewed
as a theoretical disposition . Theory functions as the "blueprint" for a
research study, offering a coherent structure that holds the research
together and provides a specific lens through which to examine the topic .A
theoretical framework informs and structures every aspect of the research,
including the selection of research questions, the design of the study, and
the plan for data collection and analysis. By providing a specific
perspective, theory helps researchers analyze past events more effectively
and provides depth and coherence to the study, enhancing scientific rigor.
Theory-driven research makes a contribution to the field by supporting
existing theories, challenging them, or demonstrating how they may be less
explanatory than originally thought. Theories help advance existing
knowledge and provide the basis for developing policies and solving
practical problems in various fields, such as business and social sciences.
A researcher who believes their work is "theory-free" may be mistaken, as
their fundamental assumptions, or theoretical disposition, still guide their
approach to the study. Even when theory is initially applied to empirical
data, the process of describing that data in novel terms to reveal its core
features can itself be a form of theorizing. Theory plays a key role in
scientific inquiry by grounding the research, defining the underlying
ontological and epistemological assumptions, and shaping the
methodological approach to investigate phenomena.
It can be concluded that the theory acts as a base for research. It makes
the research a full-fledged one like a building beyond a structure alone. It
makes research beyond a pile of stones. Theory gives wholesomeness and
soul to the research. Any study without theory is like a thorn without a rose.
Hence, theory is the foundation on which the superstructure is built -
beyond bricks and mortar. No research is possible without theory. Without
theory, the research is empty. At the outset, the researchers have to realize
the importance of theory whenever they undertake any kind of
study/research which would help them to present their results beyond
numerical data or numbers alone. This is the present need to focus on by
researchers,while theory is indeed a vital component of research, it should
not be viewed as the sole engine driving inquiry. The interplay between
theory and empirical evidence is essential for advancing knowledge. A
balanced approach that values both theoretical frameworks and practical
insights will lead to more robust and meaningful research outcomes.
Theories must be flexible and adaptable, allowing for the integration of new
data and perspectives to remain relevant and impactful in guiding research
endeavors.

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