A
theory, according to Okumbe (1998) is defined as methodical classification of knowledge
functional to problem solving.
A
theory, according to Kothari (2004 ) state that theory is a set
of details about
a specific theme and
is a tool
used to explain,
predict and understand a particular topic.
Research,
according to Matheson (2008) refers as any gathering of data, information and
facts for the advancement of knowledge.
Research,
according to Hestom (2005) is
defined as the systematic
investigative process
employed to increase or revise
current knowledge by
discovering new facts.
Practice,
according to Marry ( 1997) can be defined
as a method, procedure and process or
rule used in a particular
field or profession; a s et of
these regarded as
standard.
The following are the relationship
between theory and research as explain below
The close
connection between theory and
research was implied in the discussion of their functions, states explicit
the initial impetus for research
is the search for theory while theory
development relies on
research and research
relies on theory.
Theory and
research as a
dialectic, a transaction
where by theory determines
what data are to be
collected an research
findings provide challenges
to accepted theories.
Research,
then is
neither more nor
less than the vehicle for
theory development .It is the
method used to gather the data needed
for the theory. This is true
whether the purpose of the research is to generate
a theory or to
test one .When
the purpose is theory generation,
the phenomenon of interest suggests
things to look for .For example ,if a theory of clients’
perceptions of factors influencing
their adherence to a
nursing.
The
relationship between theory and
research can be further
explained by exploiting
the research designs used
to develop various types of
theories. Theories generally are
classified as descriptive,(relational), or {explanatory}.The research
designs that generate and test these types of
theories are respectively,
descriptive, correctional and
experimental.
Theory and
research always classify
or describe specific dimensions or
characteristics of individuals,
group, situations or events
by summarizing the
commonalities found in discrete observations while
research is find the
characteristics of individuals, group,
situation that are summarized in
theories.
Research produces facts (Research) and from
facts we
can generate theories
.Theories are soft mental images
where as research
covers the empirical world of hard, settled, and
observable contribute to
each other.
Theory predicts facts or
research in the sense that always theory summarizes facts and
states a general uniformity
beyond the immediate observation,
it is also becomes a prediction of
facts. This prediction has several facets. The most obvious is the
extrapolation from the known to the unknown.
Theory
points gaps in knowledge, since theory
summarizes the known facts
and predicts fact
which have not been observed
,it must also point
to areas which
have not yet
been explored. Theory also points
to gaps of a more basic kind, and usually such gap
would not be visible
if our facts were
not systematized and organized. As a
consequence ,we may say that theory
does suggest where our
knowledge is deficient.
Theory
and research (facts) are in constant interaction. Developments in one may lead
to developments in the other. Theory, implicit or explicit, is basic to
knowledge and even perception. Theory
is not merely a passive element. It plays an active role in the uncovering of facts. We should
expect that “fact” has an equally significant part to play in the development
of theory. Science actually depends upon a continuous stimulation of fact by
theory and of theory by fact (Research)
Research
(facts)always initiate theory , this implies that always
research led to the theory development
after summarizing and
analyzing researched data on the
subject matter concern. From such collected on
statement can be drawn out basing
on the observed phenomena as generalize
statement known as theory,
in short
we can not have theory
without fact or research.
Research
lead to the rejection and reformulation of existing theory. Research do not
completely determine theory, since many possible theories
can be developed to
take account of a
specific set of observation
.Any theory must adjust to facts and
is rejected or
reformulated if they cannot be
fitted into its structures
.Since research is
continuing activity, rejection and
reformulation are likely to be
going on simultaneously.
Observations are gradually accumulated
which seem to cast doubt
upon existing theory , while new
tests are being planned ,new
formulations of theory are developed
which might fit these new
facts.
Researches
redefine and clarify theory, in the
sense that always theory states
in a very general
terms, so research clarify
that theory for example scientist
has investigated his/her problem
for a long
time prior to
actual field or
laboratory test and is
not surprised by his/her results, it is rare that he/she finds a fact that simply
does not fit prior theory. New facts that fit thee theory will
always redefine the theory, for
they state in detail what they
theory states in very general
terms .They clarify that theory, for they throw
further light upon its concepts
Theory and
research are interrelated in
that, the value of theory and
its necessity for conducting
good research should
be clear. Because researchers
who proceed without
theory rarely conduct
top-quality research and frequently
find themselves in confusion. Likewise, who proceed without linking theory to
research or anchoring it to empirical reality are in
jeopardy of floating off into
incomprehensible speculation and conjecture.
A
theory also can be used to generate hypotheses that can be tested by research.
The results of such research
may be provide evidence that supports
the theory , which, in turn
strengthens the theory. On other hand, research may produce results that
cause the theory to be revised, or rejected.
The following are the relationship
between theory and practice
The practice
cannot position itself
without the theoretical questions
guiding the research ;this is so, as without
theory data may
be collected but
without any sure
way of explaining the different observed
phenomena.
Furthermore,
their relationship is symbiotic, in that an advance in one automatically
requires modifications of the other. This is to say that, if there is
advancement in theory, then certainly there will be advancement in practice and
vice versa.
Theory
is hypothesis which, when tested repeatedly and proven, transforms into theory. Practice is
an application or a
realization of a theory for
example one may build up, by
hypothesis, a formulation or
a recip for
A theory is
a model or set
of hypotheses or assumptions, about reality-a sort of mental
map ,it is an
internal representation of the
world . Practice, is what one
does, such as “way of
doing what one
does “ as in, for
example, professional practice.
Theory
is for
recognizing impulses and convictions
from nature and the
struggles to prepare the mind for
a rigor while
practice is a procedure requiring
vigorous effort to achieve
outcomes.
Theory and practice are linked throughout a process
of abstraction and application. Both theory and practice deterritorilize each
other. There is famous quote saying” theory without practice is sterile and
practice without theory is blind”. They are reciprocally related each other.
Practice
can be the foundation for theory development and theory should be validated in
practice. Theory can be rooted in practice and
improved by research
and it should applied
in practice
Practice,
or empirical analysis, cannot stand on its own without underlying theoretical
questions (the why) that guide the research.
Practice
refers to the actual observations, operation, or experiment. Practice is the observation of disparate concepts (or a phenomenon) that needs
explanation. A theory is a proposed explanation of the relationship between two
or more concepts, or an explanation for
how/ why a phenomenon occurs
The following are the relationship
between research and practice
In
a reciprocal relationship, research questions are identified in practice and
then researchers design studies to address those questions. Study results
are then fed
back into practice to improve
practice, at which point new
research questions are formulated for example in figure below.
New research questions emerge
Research questions identified in
Practice
Practice improve
Research addresses questions
Practice or empirical analysis, cannot stand
on its own without underlying
theoretical questions (the why) that guide
the research. It means that before
research conducting there some
question to be constructed according to the subject matter
concern to be asked to the
respondents in order to get the actual
information concerning with
intended problem. On other hand such designed question can be used in practice.
REFERENCES
Hedstom,
P. (2005), Dissecting the Social on the Principles
of Analytical Sociology. USA: Cambridge University Press.
Hov,
W. K. and Miskel, C.F. (2001), Education
Administration, Theory, Research and Practice. New York: Mc GrawHill.
Kothari C.R. (2004), Research Methodology, Methods and
Techniques, New Age International, Ltd Publisher 2nd Revised
Edition New Delhi. 26, no 7. P.4-12
Mary, M. K. (1997), The Connection between Research and Practice,
Educational Research,
Vol.
Matheson, D. (2008), An Introduction to the Study of Education,
Canada USA:
Okumbe, J. A.(1998), Educational Management Theory and Practice.
Nairobi: Nairobi
university press.
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