1. Role of Theories
in Research Studies

2. Definition of Theory
A theory is a systematic set of interrelated statements with the goal of explaining some social phenomenon or aspect of life. Examples: Purnell cultural competence model, self-efficacy theory, feminist theory, crisis theory, cognitive theory, behavioral theory

3. Why Use a Theory in Research?
It gives the researcher an opportunity to
Test a theory by testing hypotheses (if a quantitative study)
Move the research study from merely describing to explaining a phenomenon
Connect the study to the existing knowledge base
Tie the findings back to practice implications rooted in theory
Conceptualize a problem from a different perspective

4. Role of Theories Review video or transcript about role of theory at:

5. How Do I Figure Out Which Theory to Use?
Some questions to consider:
Look at the research problem—what theories have been use to explain the etiology of the problem?
Identify the variables or concepts being examined—how do these variables or concepts reflect the tenets of a theory?
Existing literature and empirical studies—what theories have other scholars used in your topic area?

6. Theory Should Be Driving the Study
Quantitative Research Studies
Qualitative Research Studies
How are the variables in the research questions and hypotheses being examined in the study mirroring the assumptions of the theory?
How do the instruments used to measure the variables align with the assumptions of the theory?
When analyzing the findings, to what extent do the findings confirm or disconfirm the hypotheses?
How are the findings explained in light of the theory?
How do the findings offer practical applications in light of the theory?
How are the concepts being explored in the research questions mirroring the assumptions of the theory?
How do the open-ended question items in the measure align with the assumptions of theory?
How might the codes used to analyze the data reflect the theory?
How are the findings explained in light of the theory?
How do the findings offer practical applications in light of the theory?

7. Walden University’s Dissertation Checklists for Dissertations—For PhD Social Work Students
Checklist for PhD Quantitative Dissertation
Checklist for PhD Qualitative Dissertation
Checklist for PhD Mixed Methods Dissertation

8. PhD Checklist: Role of Theory in a Quantitative Dissertation Study

9. PhD Checklist: Role of Theory in a Qualitative Dissertation

10. Walden University’s DSW Checklists --For DSW Students
DSW Capstone Checklist (2016)
DSW Capstone Checklist (2015)

11. DSW Checklist (2016): Role of Theory

12. DSW Checklist (2015): Role of Theory

13. Example of Role of Theory in a Quantitative Study
Lee, E., Esaki, N., Kim, J. & Mitchell-Herzfeld, S. (2013). Organizational climate and burnout among home visitors: Testing mediating effects of empowerment. Children and Youth Services Review, 35(4), 594–602.

14. Dissecting Study by Lee et al.
Quantitative Research Studies
Study by Lee et. al
How are the variables in the research questions and hypotheses being examined in the study mirroring the assumptions of the theory?
How do the instruments used to measure the variables align with the assumptions of the theory?
When analyzing the findings, to what extent do the findings confirm or disconfirm the hypotheses?
How are the findings explained in light of the theory?
How do the findings offer practical applications in light of the theory?
 Look at section 2.6 of the article
 Look at section 3.2 of the article
 Section 4 highlighting the results
 Look at pg. 599 of the article. They did not explicitly link back to theory. But what could you conclude?
 Look at section 5.3 of the article

15. Example of Role of Theory in a Qualitative Study
James, D.C.S. (2004). Factors influencing food choices, dietary intake, and nutrition-related attitudes among African Americans: Application of a culturally sensitive model. Ethnicity & Health, 9(4),

16. Dissecting Study by James
Qualitative Research Studies
Study by James
How are the concepts being explored in the research questions mirroring the assumptions of the theory?
How do the open-ended question items in the measure align with the assumptions of theory?
How might the codes used to analyze the data reflect the theory?
How are the findings explained in light of the theory?
How do the findings offer practical applications in light of the theory?
 Bottom of page 352 – review the post it note
 Page 354 – the focus group interview questions – note how they tie back to the theory
 Page 354
 Page 355 – observe how the findings are presented and organized in light of the assumptions of the theory
 Page 363

17. Theories Drive the Study
The theory is at the forefront, driving the study
The theory is not selected as an after thought
You can align the theory to the different phases of the study

18. Tool to Help Align Theory With Research Questions
Name of Theory:
Author:
Briefly summarize the major tenets of the theory:
Major constructs of the theory:
Research Questions Variables or Concepts Alignment to the Constructs
Being Examined of the Theory

19. Application of Tool Name of Theory: Behavioral theory
Author: B.F. Skinner
Briefly summarize the major tenets of the theory:
Individuals’ behaviors and responses are caused by an external stimuli such as rewards and punishments. A person’s behaviors can be solely explained without understanding the person’s intrapsychic and mental states as well as the social environment.
Major constructs of the theory:
Learned behavior and responses
External stimuli
Operant conditioning
Rewards
Punishments (positive and negative)
Research Questions
Variables or Concepts Being Examined
Alignment to the Constructs of the Theory
R1: To what extent does amount, intensity, and duration of intrinsic rewards predict maintenance of daily exercising regimen among 65+ year old elders?
Amount of intrinsic reward
Intensity of intrinsic reward
Duration of intrinsic reward
Adhering to exercise regimen
Behavior (i.e., maintaining to the exercise regimen)
R2: To what extent does amount, intensity, and duration of extrinsic rewards predict maintenance of daily exercising regimen among 65+ year old elders?
Amount of extrinsic reward
Intensity of extrinsic reward
Duration of extrinsic reward

20. Walden University Resources
How do I find information on a specific theory?
How do I find theories?
How do I find theorists?
Research Approaches and Theoretical Frameworks
Library Guide to Capstone Literature Reviews: Theorists & Theoretical Sources

21. Walden University Resources (Cont).
Can I use subject terms in a database to find theories? 
How do I find information on a specific theory?
Theorists and Theories: Discover Theorists & Theories