RSE4801
Assignment 4 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 30 September 2025
1. INTRODUCTION
In every field of academic inquiry, researchers attempt to understand, explain, and interpret
phenomena that matter to people and the world they live in. Research is not merely about
gathering facts or applying methods; it is a thoughtful process shaped by the beliefs, values,
and frameworks researchers bring to their work. The statement "Theory is the engine of
research" captures this reality. Theory drives research by giving it purpose, direction, and
meaning. It shapes the questions we ask, how we go about answering them, and how we
interpret the findings. Without theory, research risks becoming an empty technical process,
devoid of depth and purpose. It becomes, as Jackson and Mazzei argue, little more than a
repetition of methods, ignoring the deeper ontological and epistemological foundations of
inquiry (Jackson & Mazzei, 2018).
This essay critically evaluates the importance of theorisation in research. It explains why
theory should be understood as the foundation of all scholarly work, explores various
paradigms and theoretical approaches, and shows how theory provides the intellectual
framework needed for inquiry. It draws on a wide range of academic sources, from Thomas
Kuhn to Patti Lather and Karen Barad, to show how theory helps researchers moveTerms of use
beyond
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
1. INTRODUCTION
In every field of academic inquiry, researchers attempt to understand, explain, and
interpret phenomena that matter to people and the world they live in. Research is not
merely about gathering facts or applying methods; it is a thoughtful process shaped
by the beliefs, values, and frameworks researchers bring to their work. The
statement "Theory is the engine of research" captures this reality. Theory drives
research by giving it purpose, direction, and meaning. It shapes the questions we
ask, how we go about answering them, and how we interpret the findings. Without
theory, research risks becoming an empty technical process, devoid of depth and
purpose. It becomes, as Jackson and Mazzei argue, little more than a repetition of
methods, ignoring the deeper ontological and epistemological foundations of inquiry
(Jackson & Mazzei, 2018).
This essay critically evaluates the importance of theorisation in research. It explains
why theory should be understood as the foundation of all scholarly work, explores
various paradigms and theoretical approaches, and shows how theory provides the
intellectual framework needed for inquiry. It draws on a wide range of academic
sources, from Thomas Kuhn to Patti Lather and Karen Barad, to show how theory
helps researchers move beyond surface-level observation into deeper levels of
analysis, questioning, and engagement. The essay also addresses critiques of
theorisation and reflects on the challenges of applying theory responsibly in an ever-
changing world.
In a world filled with complex problems, researchers cannot afford to work without
theory. Theory not only helps us understand what is, but also opens up the
possibility of imagining what could be. For this reason, theory is not simply an
optional add-on to research. It is, indeed, its driving force.
2. UNDERSTANDING THEORY IN RESEARCH
Theory in research refers to a system of ideas that helps us to explain, understand,
and interpret phenomena. It is not simply an abstract concept detached from practice
but is deeply embedded in the questions we ask, the ways we gather data, and how
we make sense of what we find. Theory provides the language, structure, and
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Assignment 4 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 30 September 2025
1. INTRODUCTION
In every field of academic inquiry, researchers attempt to understand, explain, and interpret
phenomena that matter to people and the world they live in. Research is not merely about
gathering facts or applying methods; it is a thoughtful process shaped by the beliefs, values,
and frameworks researchers bring to their work. The statement "Theory is the engine of
research" captures this reality. Theory drives research by giving it purpose, direction, and
meaning. It shapes the questions we ask, how we go about answering them, and how we
interpret the findings. Without theory, research risks becoming an empty technical process,
devoid of depth and purpose. It becomes, as Jackson and Mazzei argue, little more than a
repetition of methods, ignoring the deeper ontological and epistemological foundations of
inquiry (Jackson & Mazzei, 2018).
This essay critically evaluates the importance of theorisation in research. It explains why
theory should be understood as the foundation of all scholarly work, explores various
paradigms and theoretical approaches, and shows how theory provides the intellectual
framework needed for inquiry. It draws on a wide range of academic sources, from Thomas
Kuhn to Patti Lather and Karen Barad, to show how theory helps researchers moveTerms of use
beyond
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
1. INTRODUCTION
In every field of academic inquiry, researchers attempt to understand, explain, and
interpret phenomena that matter to people and the world they live in. Research is not
merely about gathering facts or applying methods; it is a thoughtful process shaped
by the beliefs, values, and frameworks researchers bring to their work. The
statement "Theory is the engine of research" captures this reality. Theory drives
research by giving it purpose, direction, and meaning. It shapes the questions we
ask, how we go about answering them, and how we interpret the findings. Without
theory, research risks becoming an empty technical process, devoid of depth and
purpose. It becomes, as Jackson and Mazzei argue, little more than a repetition of
methods, ignoring the deeper ontological and epistemological foundations of inquiry
(Jackson & Mazzei, 2018).
This essay critically evaluates the importance of theorisation in research. It explains
why theory should be understood as the foundation of all scholarly work, explores
various paradigms and theoretical approaches, and shows how theory provides the
intellectual framework needed for inquiry. It draws on a wide range of academic
sources, from Thomas Kuhn to Patti Lather and Karen Barad, to show how theory
helps researchers move beyond surface-level observation into deeper levels of
analysis, questioning, and engagement. The essay also addresses critiques of
theorisation and reflects on the challenges of applying theory responsibly in an ever-
changing world.
In a world filled with complex problems, researchers cannot afford to work without
theory. Theory not only helps us understand what is, but also opens up the
possibility of imagining what could be. For this reason, theory is not simply an
optional add-on to research. It is, indeed, its driving force.
2. UNDERSTANDING THEORY IN RESEARCH
Theory in research refers to a system of ideas that helps us to explain, understand,
and interpret phenomena. It is not simply an abstract concept detached from practice
but is deeply embedded in the questions we ask, the ways we gather data, and how
we make sense of what we find. Theory provides the language, structure, and
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
