Role of Theory in Research

MASENO UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE

DEPARTMENT OF URBAN MANAGEMENT

 OLIYO HASTING OMONDI

 MA/PA/00022/017

Mobile number: +254719653333

 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

 PPM 814

2017

TASK: Discuss the use of theories in carrying out research

Introduction

Leedy and Ormrod (2005:4) defined theory as an organized body of concepts and principles intended to explain a particular phenomenon.  It may explain the existence and nature of a phenomenon, which can either be physical or social, so as to improve people’s understanding of the phenomenon, and its applicability aids in betterment of human welfare. For example, the Bid Rent theory seeks to explain the nature of the relationship between the price of land and the distance from the city centre. The phenomenon in this case is the diminishing land prices and building heights from the core of a city to its periphery. Johnson and Christensen agree that with Leedy & Ormrod (2005) stating that a theory answers the question of ‘why’ and ‘how’ of the phenomenon.

Research Council of Norway (2011) maintains that a theory has to be stable, coherent and consistent. It also states that theory is not an ideology, a philosophy nor realty. Being that research is also systematic, consistent and with coherent arguments, it can be asked whether both are interrelated. Does research lead to theory? Is the reverse true? Do research and theory have reciprocal relationship? These questions are put into perspectives in the paragraphs below.

Use of theory in research

Finding knowledge gap/motivation for an inquiry

The relationship between research and theory is indeed reciprocal. While research may lead into formulation of a theory, constant questioning of an existing theory may expose its weakness which may then lead one into further research. The desire to explore the grey areas in a theory and/or disagree with a theory may provide enough motivation for researcher to conduct research. According to Research Council of Norway (2011), a theory is not reality but a simplification of it. The council adds that a theory is therefore a device for ignoring information. This is particularly true since for a theory to be formulated, some assumptions are made and some factors held constant. It may therefore be interesting for researcher to explore how a phenomenon (maybe a system) behaves if an ignored factor is considered. This therefore means that theory can be a source of a research problem. For example the concentric ring model of land use ignores the role of transport factor, whose effects Homer Hoyt 1939 find interesting to explore. Hoyt would then proceed to find a strong relationship between transport network and land use distribution, leading him to make additions to the concentric model, hence the sector model of land use.