Theory & Research

 Theory plays an important role in enabling researchers conduct valuable things.  The role of theory or theoretical knowledge is to allow researchers come up with a systematic description of an event. For example, researchers use theories to understand why young people engage in antisocial behaviors at young age. Theories also play the role of organizing scientific observations and developing research questions. In scientific studies, researchers use theory in order to gain a comprehensive knowledge on the events (Bachman & Schutt, 2013). Theories are important in that researchers are able to create a plausible explanations and evaluation of social situations. In addition, theories are important as they help researchers organize events, understand the root cause of the events, and understand the occurrence and future vents.  Researchers are able to understand the nature and meaning of events. Research is a process where researchers find causal relationships in the operationalised concepts (Bachman & Schutt, 2013). In other words, researchers test hypothesis with a purpose of identifying factors which cause crime. Research involves procedures of testing theories without considering the real observations. Research is important as researchers are able to study crime using logical methods, hence minimizing risk and maximizing accuracy. After making a hypothesis, it is important to test the criminological theory through collecting numerical data and demographic data. Importance of research is that researchers are able to make empirical generalizations where an assessment is done to evaluate whether the results supports the theory (Bachman & Schutt, 2013).

 

Theory and research are related in two ways. First, theory and research are related through deductive reasoning. This means that researchers use theory and makes a hypothesis. Then, the hypothesis is tested through research and data collection.  Deductive reasoning help researches test ideas and set up expectations (Bachman & Schutt, 2013). Second, theory and research are related through inductive reasoning-this means that researchers use   bottom-up approach where they collects data and conducts observation. Then, theory is used to explain the data patterns.  Inductive releasing helps researchers conduct investigation and   collect data, then makes theoretical sense to the findings and draws a hypothesis (Bachman & Schutt, 2013).

 

"Research conclusions are only as good as the data and analysis used to generate the results."

            The final conclusion plays a significant role in evaluating success or failure. Note that data analysis is the key element used in making conclusion.  Data analysis provides variables relation and accuracy of the results (Bachman & Schutt, 2013).Analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data provides an accurate assessment as well the desires results. The above statement means that conclusion is accurate if the data analyzed is accurate. In other words, conclusion is made considering both deductive and inductive relations. Note that data analysis provides an empirical evidence since it supports or refutes the hypothesis, and thus draws a conclusion (Bachman & Schutt, 2013).

 

 

 

Reference

Bachman, R., & Schutt, R. K. (2013). The practice of research in criminology and criminal justice. SAGE

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