Introduction

Theory is defined as a coherent description, explanation and representation of an experienced or observed phenomena, the process of building a theory is an ongoing process of producing, confirming, applying and adopting theory. A theory is something build to explain how the world works.  It is an explanation that has been verified and refined. A theory can also be understood as an explanation of something that is valid.

There are two processes of theory building, these processes include; inductive and deductive, these two theories have their similarities and differences. These two theories are different in the following ways; the deductive process of theory building is aimed at testing the theory while inductive theory building process is aimed at generating idea emerging from the data. The deductive process usually begins with a hypothesis while inductive process begins with research questions that narrow the scope of the theory under study. The deductive process emphasis on causality while the inducive method focus on building theories that explain new phenomena from approaching it from different perspectives. The only similarity in these two methods of theory building is that they seek to make an explanation to the same phenomena but in different ways (Lynham, 2002).

It is in the application phase where I would expect most quantitative dissertation research to be done within the scholar-practitioner model. A theory has to explain a certain observation and if it does not explain the observation or phenomena it is not a theory, therefore, I feel that a lot of research has to be done to trying to make the theory explain the phenomena until it makes a logical conclusion. Furthermore, it is important that those formulating the theory keep in mind that an applied theory should be considered true. Therefore, more quantitative dissertation research should be done within this phase. Also, a theory can only be confirmed in the actual world her where it applies therefore this is the phase that gives the theorist to an opportunity to further develop their theory (Lynham, 2002). Most quantitative dissertation has to be done in this phase since it shapes the truth of the theory.

Grounded theory method is an inductive method that provides guidelines for gathering and analyzing quantitative data for the purpose of constructing a theory. It does not relate to any specific domains of research; it can also be used to modify an existing theory or expand it. Researchers paradigm has influenced the use of this theoretical method. Both qualitative and quantitative approach originate from different paradigm and different assumptions of nature. Due to the ongoing discussion in the research, positivism, post positivism, constructivism and critical theory are the most cited paradigms (Hall, Griffiths, Mckenna, 2013) These paradigms have different assumptions that reflect different philosophical ideas the researches who appreciate these paradigms end up influencing the use of grounded method.

Conclusion

A theory is a description a detailed description of an experienced observation or phenomena. Theory building is an ongoing process of building of building and confirming a theory. There are two methods of theory building discussed above, inductive and deductive method of theory building. These two processes have more differences than similarities. Researchers paradigm is responsible for influencing the use of grounded theory method.

 

 

 

 

 

Reference

Hall H, Griffiths D, McKenna L (2013) From Darwin to constructivism: the evolution of

grounded theory. Nurse Researcher. 20, 3, 17-21.

Lynham, A. S. (2002). chapter 1 The General Method of Theory-Building Researching Applied Disciplines.