,RSE4801 Assignment 4 | Due September 2025.
MULTIPLE CHOICE,ASSURED EXCELLENCE
THEORY IS THE ENGINE OF RESEARCH
Introduction
Theory is more than a fancy academic label — it is the scaffold
that holds research together. At its best, a theory organizes
observations, suggests relationships, points to what to measure,
and offers explanations that can be tested, refined, or refuted.
Calling theory "the engine of research" captures how theory
drives the questions we ask, the methods we choose, and how
we interpret results. This essay explains what theorisation
means in research, distinguishes theory from paradigms and
research types, surveys major paradigms (positivist,
interpretivist, critical), introduces post-paradigmatic moves,
evaluates the significance of theorisation, addresses objections,
gives practical examples, and makes a case for why theorisation
remains central to robust scholarship.
The Nature of Theorisation in Research
Theorisation is the process of developing, selecting, applying,
and refining conceptual frameworks that explain phenomena. It
involves:
, Concept formation — defining the key ideas and
constructs.
Relationship-building — proposing how constructs relate
(causal claims, correlations, functions).
Operationalisation — translating abstract concepts into
measurable indicators.
Interpretation — using theory to make sense of empirical
patterns.
Refinement or falsification — updating theory when
evidence supports revision or refutation.
Theorisation occurs at multiple levels: grand theory (broad,
explanatory claims), middle-range theory (more focused,
testable propositions), and programme-level models (applied,
specific frameworks). Good theorisation reduces ambiguity, sets
boundaries for inquiry, and makes research cumulative by
connecting new findings to existing knowledge.
Theories, Paradigms, and Research Types
These three are related but distinct:
Theory
A set of interrelated propositions or concepts that explain,
predict, or interpret phenomena.
MULTIPLE CHOICE,ASSURED EXCELLENCE
THEORY IS THE ENGINE OF RESEARCH
Introduction
Theory is more than a fancy academic label — it is the scaffold
that holds research together. At its best, a theory organizes
observations, suggests relationships, points to what to measure,
and offers explanations that can be tested, refined, or refuted.
Calling theory "the engine of research" captures how theory
drives the questions we ask, the methods we choose, and how
we interpret results. This essay explains what theorisation
means in research, distinguishes theory from paradigms and
research types, surveys major paradigms (positivist,
interpretivist, critical), introduces post-paradigmatic moves,
evaluates the significance of theorisation, addresses objections,
gives practical examples, and makes a case for why theorisation
remains central to robust scholarship.
The Nature of Theorisation in Research
Theorisation is the process of developing, selecting, applying,
and refining conceptual frameworks that explain phenomena. It
involves:
, Concept formation — defining the key ideas and
constructs.
Relationship-building — proposing how constructs relate
(causal claims, correlations, functions).
Operationalisation — translating abstract concepts into
measurable indicators.
Interpretation — using theory to make sense of empirical
patterns.
Refinement or falsification — updating theory when
evidence supports revision or refutation.
Theorisation occurs at multiple levels: grand theory (broad,
explanatory claims), middle-range theory (more focused,
testable propositions), and programme-level models (applied,
specific frameworks). Good theorisation reduces ambiguity, sets
boundaries for inquiry, and makes research cumulative by
connecting new findings to existing knowledge.
Theories, Paradigms, and Research Types
These three are related but distinct:
Theory
A set of interrelated propositions or concepts that explain,
predict, or interpret phenomena.
