Relationship between Theory and Research Free Sample for Students

Question: Discuss the Reciprocal Relationship between Theory and Research in the context of a Specific Records Management Research Problem. Answer: Introduction The theory provides a rationale and framework for conducting research. On the other hand, research enriches theoretical knowledge; either extending understanding into an unexplored area or by building upon current knowledge. Theory development relies on research and research depends on theory. Inquiry serves as a means to collect data needed for thesis (Arksey O'Malley, 2005). When the purpose is to create a proposition, the phenomena of interest suggests the things to look for. Conversely, if the intent is to test an assertion, the theory dictates the data to be gathered (Casper, Eby, Bordeaux, Lockwood, Lambert, 2007). For example, if a theory proposes lack of proper training in records management results in the poor organization of records, the data to be collected includes the degree of knowledge personnel have in record keeping. To understand the joint association between theory and research, it is necessary to do an inquiry into the process of formulation of a theory, research strategies and study designs (Edmondson Mcmanus 2007). Body The process of theory formulation is a way of explaining the correlation between statements and observations. The process of theory generation has various levels. Ad hoc classification is the first level; it involves making observations and recording it as data (Eisenhardt Graebner, 2007). Employees are examined on how they handle records in an organization. The second is the taxonomy or system which encompasses stating relationships between categories. Training personnel is directly related to the efficient organization of records. The third step is the conceptual schemes which involve the framing of propositions about the relationship between concepts (Creswell Clark, 2007). The last level is the empirical stage and involves developing an argument precisely in such a way that it can be tested. The process of devising a theory shows that in an attempt to enhance a proposition or in the absence of a theory, research studies are used as building blocks to either enrich or create an assertion (Eisenhardt Graebner, 2007) The two strategies that help in understanding the relationship between ideology and inquisition: inductive and deductive strategies. In the deductive model, the research sets out to test an existing theory (Gioia, Corley Hamilton, 2013). The researcher deduces a hypothesis from the theoretical propositions contained in a theory. Lack of capacity in records management leads to disorganized records. For example, observing how untrained staffs organize information then coming up with a proposition applies the inductive strategy. Untrained staffs are observed how organize information and inferences on job performance are made. In deductive model, the researcher comes up with the theory then conducts research, while in inductive strategy research is carried out then a theory is generated (Karami, Rowley Analoui, 2006) The connection between a premise and inquiry can be explained by further examining the research designs used to come up with a theory. They include; descriptive, correlational and experimental (Creswell Clark, 2007). The descriptive study may or may not apply an empirical method (Hider Pymm, 2008). Philosophic and historical inquiries are the non-empirical methods. Philosophical inquest describes and categorizes phenomena through critical debate. For example, it may be used to clarify the idea of efficient record keeping by examining various conceptions held by people. The historical research aims to describe phenomena that occurred at an earlier time. For example, how workers have been managing records. Pragmatic descriptive exploration encompasses surveys, case studies, grounded theory, phenomenological and ethnographic studies (Goulding, 2005). Case studies are systematic and intensive investigations of various factors for a specific number of individuals, groups or communities. A case study may be carried out to examine the impact of training workers on how to manage records. Surveys yield accurate and factual descriptions of a phenomenon. Relational and correlational designs are used to specify relations between characteristics of individuals, group, events and situations (Sein, Henfridsson, Rossi, Lindgren, 2011). They clarify how parts of concepts or phenomenon are related. Mapping of assertions is after essential dimensions of a concept are known, that is after descriptive theories have been generated and validated (Saunders, 2011). Relational notions are formulated by correlation research. The goal of this type of inquiry is to examine the association of characteristics. For example, the objective may be to scrutinize the link between training and efficiency. The correlational research uses the empirical technique (Leech Onwuegbuzie, 2009).They entail measuring characteristics in their natural states. Surveys and interviews are the approaches that are frequently used (Rowley, 2012).Information gathering is by self-report measures or nonparticipant observation. (Peffers, Tuunamen Rothenberger, Chatterjee, 2007) Explanatory and experimental research designs are used to move theories beyond statements to precise relationship between dimensions. The objective is to develop a concept that addresses cause and effect of a phenomenon (Bennett, 2006).Generating of notions is only after the framing of relational concepts. Explanatory theories are developed and tested by experimental research (Heeks Bailur, 2007). For instance, tests would be carried out to explain how proficiency improves efficiency. The experimental research uses an empirical method of research of experimentation (Hitt, Beamish, Jackson Mathieu, 2007) It encompasses the use of some idea or happening to determine the effect of some attribute of another occurrence (Johnson, Onwuegbuzie Turner, 2007) Conclusion Understanding the role of studies and propositions, devising of premises, research strategies, and designs helps in choosing the type of study that should be carried out to develop a theory. Descriptive inquisition is needed when little is known about the aspect to be investigated (Covin Lumpkin, 2011). Correlational studies are suitable if the facet has been amply detailed, but its relationships to other occurrences or features are unknown (Lewis, 2005). Tests are appropriate if the event or attribute has been sufficiently described and its connection to other phenomenon is well established (Noor, 2008). 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