RSE4801 ASSIGNMENT 4 2025 (Answer Guide) – Due 30 September 2025

RSE4801 ASSIGNMENT 4 2025 (Answer Guide) – Due 30 September 2025 Contents Title: “Theory as the Engine of Research: A Critical Evaluation” 2 Abstract 2 Introduction 2 Key Definitions and Conceptual Distinctions 3 5. Historical and Philosophical Background: Why Theory Has Been Seen as Central 4 6. Argument: Why Theorisation Functions as an “Engine” 5 a) Guiding Questions and Hypotheses 6 b) Shaping Design and Methods 6 c) Enabling Interpretation and Explanation 6 d) Contributing to Cumulative Knowledge 6 7. Counter-arguments and Limits: When Theory Is NOT the Engine 7 a) Exploratory and Inductive Research 7 b) Risk of Constraint and Bias 7 c) Practical and Applied Research 8 d) Interdisciplinary and Emerging Fields 8 8. Case Studies / Concrete Examples 8 Example A: Theory-driven Research in Public Health 9 Example B: Data-driven Grounded Theory in Social Research 9 9. Implications for Research Practice and Evaluation 9 a) Choosing the Role of Theory 10 b) Ensuring Transparency and Justification 10 c) Balancing Theory and Practice 10 d) Implications for Student and Novice Researchers 10 10. Conclusion 11 References 12