The Role Of Theory In Psychological Research Essay, Research Paper

THE ROLE OF THEORY IN PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH

A theory is a statement that describes, explains and predicts the cause and effect of a particular research investigation. It is an integrated group of principles that define and anticipate observed events – as well as presenting ideas that summarize and explicate social phenomena. The roles of theories are considerable as they are incessantly utilised in all forms of psychological research studies. There are numerous roles that theories are utilised for. I have endeavored to include them all along with how theories relate to hypothesis, variables and methods.

The role of a theory is to expand our knowledge beyond the obvious information and lead us to generalisations and predictions. In psychological research, a theory is the most significant factor: it determines the manner in which the research will be performed; the purpose of conducting the investigation; and defines the subject that is being researched.

A theory’s function is to stimulate and guide the research and researcher towards the explanation of how the results from the study were attained. It is also used in the identification of the primary causes that influence the particular studies final results.

The role of a theory in psychological research is to create a hypothesis that can be objectively tested. This testing is necessary in order for the hypothesis to be proven or refuted and for the ability to expand on the preceding theory with increased accuracy. Testing theories requires interpreting the information acquired in ways that can be validated and reproduced.

Theories are needed in investigations to allow the researcher “to make testable predictions about observable behavior”(Bourne, Lyle Eugene, 1932 – Psychology: Behavior in context (1998) / Lyle E. Bourne, Jr., Nancy Felipe Russo) and to systematize experiences to assist the researcher’s focus on the relevant factors.

The role of a theory is to mould the way we perceive the world, to assist us in forming principles, and to provoke new questions that surpass our previous observations and beliefs. ” psychological theory must concern itself with the context and moral significance, and with the formation of principles rather than casual laws.”(Martin, Jack (1996) Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology, 16 (1), 1 – 18).

There are many steps to developing a theory. First of all steps is the basic theory or idea, then the hypothesis, then the research – testing of the hypothesis. The results of the research determine the actions to follow: If the results verify the hypothesis, then the reliance in the theory increases; however, if the results disprove the hypothesis, then the faith in the theory decreases and the theory is either altered or discarded.

Psychological research begins with a theory. Theories are a “set of self – consistent principles that organize and explain individual “facts” or observations” (Bourne, L. E., Russo, N. F. (1998) Psychology: Behavior in context).

After a theory there is a hypothesis, which is a prediction evolved from a theory that is used to foretell how a variable will relate to another. A hypothesis is a testable proposition that describes a relationship that may exist between events, objects, and people. It is also a specific prediction of a relationship that exists between or among the variables. The result of testing a hypothesis is used to either support, reject, or modify the basic theory.

A variable is a characteristic that can have two or more values and are defined so that methods can be used to test the relationship of the variables to determine if the theory is accurate. Predictions of how a variable relates to another is called hypothesis.

Methods are used to compile information and analyze hypotheses that have been developed from theories. There are three kinds of research methods.

The first is the descriptive method. With this method, research is aimed at displaying what has occurred under a specialised set of conditions.

The second is the correlational method. With this method, research is designed to determine how strongly a chosen variable relates to another.

The Third is the experimental method. With this method, research is specifically adapted to the purpose of an experimental investigation. In an experiment, one variable is manipulated by the researcher to examine its affects on another variable, while the other variables in the experiment are held constant.

Sometimes in research, two or more methods are applied simultaneously to the same problem in order to gain a improved understanding of the theory being investigated

Different methods can produce results consistent or inconsistent with a hypothesis. Either compatible or incompatible, the outcome may suggest new ideas be developed and studied to improve on the basic theory.

Theories arrange distinct observations and data and place them in a context that gives them unique meaning and connection to each other.

From theory development to theory, to hypothesis and methods of testing. No matter what the variables, theory is just an integrated set of principles that are researched and developed in order to explain and predict aspects of social phenomena.

REFERENCES:

Bourne, L. E., Jr., Russo, N. F. (1998) Psychology: Behavior in context.

Martin, J. (1996) Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology, 16 (1) 1 – 18.

Coleman, J. S. (1990) Foundations of Social Theory. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Macy, Micheal W. (1990) Learning theory and the logic of critical mass. American Sociological Review 55:730 – 747.

Burt, Ronald S. (1981) Toward a Structural Theory of Action. New York: Academic Press.

Berger, J., Zelditch, M., Jr. (eds.), Theoretical Research Programs: Studies in the Growth of Theories. Stanford, CA: Stanford U. Press.

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