Theories In Action

According to Merriam-Webster, theory is defined as an idea or set of ideas that is intended to explain facts or events. In every profession, theories are necessary to help determine if facts are credible. Credible theories are based on ideas, observations, and research. They have been tested in studies to see if they are effective (Gladding, 2005). For a theory to be considered as a good theory, it must meet certain criteria. It must be clear and easy to understand, comprehensive, written in a way that invites others to explore its uses, contains guidelines that others can follow to achieve desired results, and it must be practical and provides strategies its followers may use under certain conditions (Gladding, 2005).

Usually when we learn something new we tend to distinctly look at it from two different aspects: analysing its logic and variables, and this is exactly the role behind a theory where a set of concepts and definitions explains or predict a situation by specifying logic and variables (Edwards, 2005). Edwards argue that when we deeply engage with a theory we are now theorizing as a practise, where we involve abstractions, contemplation, critical engagement, and imagination to make sense of the theory.

In the start of my essay I am going to apply the relevant theories for communication to health and social care contexts. Theory can be defined as a formal statement of the rules on which a subject of study is based or of ideas that are suggested to explain a fact or event or, more generally, an opinion or explanation. (Cambridge Dictionary, 2014)

3. Theories are a product of curiosity and the wanting of an explanation. When testing a theory, a hypothesis needs to be made that will predict the outcome of an event. Once it is made, it is time to put it to the test to either confirm or deny the theory. When research is done they leave specific details and instructions in case other scientists decide to test the same theory, these are called operational definitions. In the end, theories will be useful because they will help psychologists decide whether or not it is correct.

In the scientific world, the word “theory” is formally used to describe a collection of hypothesis, facts and observations of an aspect of the natural world. A theory for science is something that already has a very well grounded explanation, evidences and a model to confirm or not the theory. Also, a theory is open to new hypothesis and new observations. For example the Evolution Theory, Relativity Theory. However, in the daily language, “theory” is widely used to describe something that people are not sure about, some hypothesis that someone makes to suppose an event. For example, when a flashlight does not want to work, we make a theory that the batteries are dead.

A theory is a set of ideas or concepts that form a general truth about the real world that can be supported by evidence obtained through the scientific method (Gibson 9/4/2014; Rogers, 2013). A social worker

A theory is a scientific prediction. In class we discussed the theory called Intelligent Design, which is a concept that states God created humans and put them on earth ten thousand years ago fully formed and at the time the universe was only seven days old. The theory was discussed in class and is relevant to the debate. It was discussed whether or not intelligent design is a theory or just Bible fiction.

Theory is a journey to uncover the past and improve the future. By uncovering and analyzing a discipline’s theoretical journey, insight and self-awareness are gained. According to Meleis (2012), “Theories are reservoirs in which related knowledge is articulated and organized into meaningful wholes” (p.33). By implementing and analyzing theories, empowerment and guidance for the future is obtained.

A theory is an explanation for a problem or an observation. These explanations can vary based on which perspective is being used, such as a moral or sociological. Despite having different theories for the same problem, they all try to “...explicitly or implicitly suggest how to address [a] problem, which could then lead to appropriate action” (p.52).

Theories are the basis that helps us generate a paradigm, a new knowledge. We as students should identify the theory that we would like to continue working with, and especially the theory on which we must continue to study.

An hypothesis is treated as a minor, speculative answer to a scientist’s observational question, while a theory is a grander, well-supported explanation of a particular aspect of the natural world. Hypotheses alone would still need further verification from experiments and observation, while theories may gather several valid hypotheses to build up on its explanation. Both can be tested and verified by many other scientists, but theories are generally more

There are many definitions to theory. According to Akers (2009) “theories are tentative answers to the commonly asked questions about events and behavior” (Akers, (2009, p. 1). Theory is a set of interconnect statements that explain how two or more things are related in two casual fashions, based upon a confirmed hypotheses and established multiple times by disconnected groups of researchers.

It has had a huge impact on the study of interpersonal communication and many other communication fields. Yet it does have its criticisms. Many state that the assumptions made by the theory are too broad making it easy to be disproven. An example is that many scholars do not contribute uncertainty reduction the main motivating factor in initiating conversation. Also the demographics of the people observed in the studying of this theory was very limited, mostly only white middle-class individuals, making it difficult to apply to all interactions between all individuals. These factors all contribute in weakening the theory in the eyes of most scholars. (communication studies,

Theory delivers an instrument or idea to understand a specific theme, and provides tangible enlightenment for it. The real-world application of theory can be done only with the assistance of the understanding provided by the theory. Theory can be verified only by how it applies practically to the hypothesized ideas, explanations and variables that require examination. This can be accomplished through how it is applied. Consequently, the two terms of research and theory are interlinked, and there is a shared association between both theory and its application.

But generally, according to Culler, to count as a theory, not only must an explanation not be obvious; it should involve a certain complexity. A theory must be more than a hypothesis: it can’t be obvious. Theory involves some complex relations of systematic kind among a number of factors; and it cannot be easily confirmed or disproved. If one bears all these factors in mind, it becomes easier to understand what goes by the name of ‘theory’.