Theory : Definition, Characteristic and the Use/Role in Research

 Chapter 1

Theory: Definition, Characteristic, and the Use/Role in Research

In conducting a study, researchers must use a theoretical foundation that is relevant to the research conducted. A study without a theory will have no direction in the research, experience difficulties in determining the variations in the research and do not have a frame of mind from the moment determines the problem, research objectives, research methodology and also difficulty in determining indications that help assess the good of a study.

Research questions are inevitably theoretically informed. So, we do need social theories to help us to address even quite basic issues in social research (Silvermann, 2000)

Definition of Theory

The word “theory” according to (Longman, 2003) is defined as: 1.An idea or set of ideas that is intended to explain something about life or the world, especially an idea that has not been proved to be true; 2.General principles and ideas about a subject; 3.An idea or opinion that someone thinks is true but for which they have no proof.

The theory existence is expected a model capable of predicting future occurrences or observations, being tested through experiment or otherwise verified through empirical observation

For scientist, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that can incorporate laws, hypotheses and facts. A theory not only explains known facts; it also allows scientists to make predictions of what they should observe if a theory is true (History, n.d.).

Theory can be defined as a model of framework that we can use for the observation, for the study/research to get understanding, theory will help researcher shape both what they see and how the see the object of the research. The theory is system of interconnected abstraction or ideas that condenses and organizes knowledge about the world (Sunday,2016)

The characteristic of theory (Sunday, 2016)

1.    Theory guide research and organizes its ideas. The analogy of bricks lying around haphazardly in the brickyard: “Facts” of different shape and sizes have no meaning unless they are drawn together in a theoretical or conceptual framework.

2.    Theory become stronger as more supporting evidence is gathered; and it provides a context of prediction

3.    Theory has the capacity to generate new research

4.    Theory is empirically relevant and always tentative

The use of theory:

Theories is not a fact but explain the fact. In General, Theory is useful for:

1. Theories organized & summarize knowledge.

2. Theories focus attention on specific variables and relationship between those variables.

3. Theories clarify what is observed

4. theory can be used to frame and understand phenomena

5. Theories permit prediction of human behavior.

6. Theories can become a helpful tool to interpret reality

5. A ‘good’ theory should generate further research.

6. A theory cannot reveal the whole truth about anything

7. People create theories

8. Some theories are meant to challenge existing life and generates new ways of life.

9. Theories explains and predicts the relationship between variables

How to Evaluate the Quality of a Theory or Explanation

According to (Sunday, 2016) in the Role of Theory in research there are some variable to assess the quality of a theory or the explanation:

1.     Is the theory logical and coherent?

2.     Does it fit with the available data?

3.     Does it provide testable claims?

4.     Has the theory-based prediction been tested?

5.     Does the theory work better than rival theories or explanations?

6.     Is it general enough to apply to more than one place, situation, or person?

7.     Can practitioners use it to control or influence things in the world e.g.:

·     Good theory of teaching help teachers to positively to influence student learning

·     Good theory of counselling hell counsellors to positively influence their client’s mental health. 

Theory and Research: The Dynamic Relationship

According to (Neuman W. L., 2011) The importance of a theory as the basis of a research can be spelled out as follows:

1.      Theory frame what we look at, how we think and look at it

2.      It provides basic concepts and directs us to the important questions

3.      It suggests ways for us to make sense of research data

4.      Theory enables us to connect a single study to the immense base of knowledge to which other researchers contribute

5.      It helps a researcher see the forest instead of just a single tree

6.      Theory Increases a researcher’s awareness of interconnections and of the broader significance of data

7.      Theories are, by their nature, abstract and provide a selective and one-sided account of the many-sided concrete social world.

8.      Theory allows the researcher to make link between the abstract and the concrete, the theoretical and the empirical, though statements and observational statements etc.

9.      Theory is a two-way relationship between theory and research. Social theory informs understanding of issues, which in, in turn, assist us in making research decisions and making sense of the world.  

10.  Theory is not fixed; it is provisional, open to revision and grows into more accurate and comprehensive explanations about the make-up and operation of the social worlds.

Chapter 2

The Communication Theory Based on Context and Process

A researcher must understand the traditions in communication science and understand the context of research in communication before conducting a study. In this way, the researcher can determine the relevant theory that underlies the research. There are some models that give us the framework to identify the relevant theory based on communication context and tradition in communication. Below is the framework designed by (Littlejhon & Foss, 2009)

 Picture: COMMUNICATION THEORIES: context & tradition by LITTLEJOHN ed.8 (1)

Picture: COMMUNICATION THEORIES: context & tradition by LITTLEJOHN ed.8 (2)

The framework develop above is the one of some frameworks that we can use to identity the relevant theory which support our study. The first step is 1. Identify what is our studies context? (in first column) and 2 identify what is tradition (we can use the 7 tradition develop by (Craig, 2007) , semiotic, phenomenology, Cybernetic, socio-psychology, socio-cultural, critical, rhetorical)

Chapter 3.

Theoretical Framework in Non-Thesis

“LSPR PGP Non-thesis Project is another option of the final requirement to complete LSPR PGP Program. It aims to bring out the aspired qualities of a LSPR PGP graduate, i.e. practical skills, participatory research, analytical thinking, globally competitive, professional in conduct, and readiness for a managerial position (LSPR, 2020).” Non-thesis is a project-based study. This project encourages students to be able to apply the knowledge learned in improving the quality of practical skills so that the knowledge learned is relevant for progress in the world of practice such as improving business performance. Non-thesis is a bridge to how a theory contributes to the practical world. At this point, it is very clear that a non-thesis project must also be based on a theory that is relevant for the project to be carried out. Theory will provide a frame of mind and a foundation for improving the quality of the practitioner's world. As mentioned at the beginning of the previous chapter.

·     Good theory of teaching help teachers to positively to influence student learning

·     Good theory of counselling hell counsellors to positively influence their client’s mental health. 

I will take the example related to marketing communication subject. In Non-thesis project for example how integrated marketing communication theory will impact to the real integrated marketing communication plan di the company, how it helps the company to formulate effective IMC to get optimal result. This optimal result will be supported if the project owner understands IMC concept and theory, use this theory as framework how to develop and improve integrated marketing Communication in real practice.

 

References

Craig, R. (2007). Theorizing Communication : Reading across traditions. Sage.

History, A. M. (n.d.). American Museum of National History. Retrieved from https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/darwin/evolution-today/what-is-a-theory

Littlejhon, S. W., & Foss, K. A. (2009). Encyclopedia of Communication Theory. Los Angeles: Sage Publication.

Longman, P. (2003). Dictionary of Contemporary English. Harlow.

LSPR. (2020). Thesis and Non-Thesis Writing Manual Postgraduate Program. Jakarta: LSPR.

Neuman, L. w. (2014). Social Research Methods : Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Edinburgh: Pearson Education.

Neuman, W. L. (2011). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative. London: Pearson.

Silvermann, D. (2000). Doing Qualitative Research- A Practical Handbook . London: Sage Publication.

Sunday, C. E. (2016). The Role of Theory in Research. University of the Western Cape.