Developing A Theory Of Information Science Research

Theories are the organized concepts that help to define or understand behaviors, relationships or a phenomenon (Green, 2014). Thus, theories are the foundation of scholarly research and act as an outline to carry out a study. They are used to process and analyzing data and contribute to knowledge in literature and practice (Green, 2014; Udo-Akang, 2012). Theories are used to guide research but are also utilized in a parallel process with research to explain and to predict, explain problems, events, systems, and experiences (Udo-Akang, 2012). In a wraparound effect, studies help to advancement theories through the application of the framework to the research methodology (Green, 2014; Udo-Akang, 2012). The theory and its constructs guide the research design (Green, 2014; Udo-Akang, 2012). Existing theories are said to most likely

Having a good understanding of theory and how it relates to the research process requires understanding a number of commonly used terms and how they relate to each other. For example, the purpose of research is to develop or further the understanding of theories (Jackson, 2012),

“A theory is an organized set of ideas that seek to explain a particular phenomenon. Theories are typically formulated when there is no empirical evidence” (p.8, book). Professionals must be able to understand the theories and research how to evaluate which theory to use in practice.

A theory is a group of ideas, which are testable to prove or disprove a hypothesis of a given situation. (Meriam Webster, 2011) A theory is the starting point of most research, when trying to determine an answer against a given situation or question. The goal of a theory is to justify and support a claim that needs to explain what is being done and demonstrate that it works. The components of a theory are concepts and principles. A concept is a general idea, a plan, and an intention. A principle is a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning. Concepts and principles help us to understand or explain what is going on around us and predict impending events.

Knowledge is gained through several ways which when merely observed possibly will seem to lack correlation, but in actual fact, with critical scrutiny, one may perhaps indeed spot some remarkable similarities within several areas of knowledge and disciplines. Hence it remains pivotal that a knower should amass all the knowledge he might have gained to assemble an enormous and intensely fortified reservoir of knowledge comprised of a vast array of ways of knowing and areas of knowledge so as to assist him to form a multi-faceted perspective. My investigation is anchored around the notion that facts and theories should be utilised simultaneously when forming a conclusion about a particular topic of interest and also not leaving behind the rules and principles prevalent in this areas of knowledge. The antagonistic view of this

In the world of research, for any research study to be deemed valid and successful, there are certain underlying philosophical assumptions and paradigms that should be considered. A researcher needs to know what the research assumptions and paradigms are in order to know what role they play in research design and the knowledge created.

.Knowledge and arguments in particular are developed based on a person’s individualised view of the environments and activities within it. According to Flower (2009), it is these individualised views that constitute what is referred to as research philosophy. Basically, research philosophy is the approach taken in construction of knowledge and by extension research. According to Saunders et al. (2009), there are three main types of research philosophy namely: interpretivism, positivism and realism. In this particular study an interpretivist

When it comes to defining theory, researchers assign a number of means meanings, have numerous views, and define varying criteria (Gay & Weaver, 2011). In fact, differences of opinion are not limited to the definition of theory; but also, (a) the nature of theory; (b) the criteria for establishing good theory; (c) its purpose; and, (d) the best method for theory-building (Gay & Weaver, 2011). Why are there such differing opinions about theory? Gay

The way that Theory is defined in the research process is as a way of making sense of a situation. They represent uncertain solutions to problems. A theory is a generalization about a phenomenon an explanation of how and why something occurs; a system of generalizable statement

This paper explains my paradigm position as a researcher. It further clarifies the ontological and epistemological considerations within the paradigm and lastly it explains the role of the researcher in terms of positionality, values and the voice in the process of knowledge development.

based research (DBR) can be summarized as “a systematic but flexible methodology aimed to improve educational practices through iterative analysis, design, development, and implementation, based on collaboration among researchers and practitioners in real-world settings, and leading to contextually-sensitive design principles and theories” (Wang & Hannafin, 2005, p. 6). The Wang and Hannafin definition provides a concise overview of this emerging methodology and indicates that using this type of methodology in research can lead to the production of theories. Although concise, this definition does not address the other roles that theory has in DBR. Theory is often used to guide the design and implementation of the research (Hoadley, 2004; Russell, Jackson, Krumm, & Frank, 2013). Hence, theory can be intertwined through every phase of DBR, including, but not limited to the development, design, implementation, and analysis phases. Theory can guide the design, be embodied in the design, and be a result of the design.

Before a researcher can initiate a research project, they face the confusion and the range of theoretical perspectives, methodologies, methods, and the philosophical basis that encompasses them all. This seemingly meticulous structure for the research process is in fact aimed toward providing the researcher with a ‘scaffolding’, or a direction which they can go on to develop themselves to coincide with their particular research purposes. (Crotty, 1998)

The aims and objectives were fulfilled in order to develop a research philosophy. We may define it as “an over-arching term relating to the development of knowledge and the nature of that knowledge” (Saunders & Thornhill, 2012).

It is understood that all research is centred on the researchers motivating philosophical assumptions. Smith and Wood’s opinions are that “worldviews and philosophical positions are the basis for making

As well as the uncertain statement (Information theory is a theory of information) which caused a severe damage to the knowledge process universally. Also Shannon warned from the assumptions that consider theories deal alone with the measure that is determinable with a certain given