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THE ROLE OF THEORY IN RESEARCH

 

See the Bibliography site for specific conceptual frameworks.

Kelle, U. (1997). Theory Building in Qualitative Research and Computer Programs for the Management of Textual Data. Sociological Research Online, Vol. 2, No. 2,

Everything Postmodern: From Nihilism to Utopia

Sandelowski M. (1993). Theory unmasked: the uses and guises of theory in qualitative research. Res Nurs Health, 16(3):213-8.
The role of theory in qualitative research is variable and not always well understood. In this article, the uses and varied manifestations of theory at the substantive and paradigmatic levels of research, and as they pertain to different qualitative approaches, are described. Specific consideration is given to the varied sources, centrality, temporal placement, and functions of theory in qualitative research.

Sociological Theory and Theorists
From the WWW Virtual Library

Theory in Research and Education
Sage Publications Journal

Theory.Org.UK | Theory.org.uk Trading Cards
A pack of 32 online cards featuring theorists and concepts close to the hearts of people interested in social and cultural theory, gender and identity, and media studies.

Theory-Wikipedia

Thinking Theoretically
This site by Stephen P. Borgatti includes the following: What is a theory?; Correctness of theories; Good theories; The process of theorizing; A tutorial on theorizing. Also a section on How To Theorize