A theory is a connected system of general concepts, constructs, or propositions presenting a systematic view of phenomena through the specification of variables to explain the phenomena. Therefore, a theory has three components – i) a set of propositions with interrelated constructs, ii) it highlights the interrelations among constructs to give a specific view of phenomena, and iii) it explains the phenomena. According to Bengtson et al. (2005), a theory is “a set of relatively abstract and interrelated statements that attempt to explain a general and repeatable structure or process in nature” (p. 8). A theory is developed through a series of steps based on the phenomena being studied. Therefore, theory on a certain subject keeps on changing, but there are three major ways through which a theory could be developed. The first one is speculative, which entails attempting to explain what is already happening. The second approach is descriptive whereby descriptive data is collected to determine what is exactly happening. The last approach is constructive whereby old theories are revised to develop new ones based on ongoing research.
A theory is important because it gives concepts that are used to name what has been observed and explain the interrelationship among constructs or concepts. As such, in the process of describing what is seen, theory creates room to figure out how to create change. In other words, a theory is an important tool that allows the identification of problems and planning on how to change a given situation. Additionally, theory helps people understand what they do not know by guiding research on any given topic.
Like theory, a conceptual framework is a structure that researchers use to explain how a phenomenon being studied progresses naturally. In other words, the conceptual framework identifies the research topic, the problem being examined, questions that would be asked, literature review, theories that would be applied, the methodology and methods to be used, data analysis and findings, recommendations, and conclusions to be made. As such, a conceptual framework is the conceptualization of the entire research project. Therefore, just like theory, a conceptual framework gives clear guidelines through which research would be conducted. It allows the researcher to identify and construct his or her worldview on the problem being investigated. It also allows for the presentation of remedies to the research problem.
The evolutionary theory in sociology holds that societies move in a certain direction. Specifically, this theory is based on the view that societies change from simple forms into complex forms with time through a gradual process. From an evolutionary perspective, dating involves selecting a suitable partner for effective reproduction to ensure the survival of the offspring to also reproduce and pass the genotype to another generation. It thus suffices to argue that dating, whether online or in-person, could be understood from the perspective of survival.
For instance, on the surface, it might appear that a male partner is looking for beauty in a female partner. As such, a male would be looking for all attributes associated with a beautiful woman including the perfect size, voluptuousness, and smooth skin among other related factors. This kind of a female would be highly attractive to males and she would be the perfect candidate for dating. However, from an evolutionary perspective, men are not attracted to the sexiness or beauty associated with this female. On the contrary, men are attracted to such females because their beauty is an indication that they are highly productive and fertile. For example, a smoothed-skinned female with shiny hair, bright eyes, and full lips connotes youthfulness and such an individual has the capacity to bear more children as compared to her older counterparts. Similarly, the popular hourglass shape is ideal for childbirth due to wide hips and ample breasts imply that such a person can nourish offsprings.
Similarly, women choose their mates based on evolutionary dynamics. Traditionally, men are the providers, and thus females would prefer a male with the capacity to provide for her offspring once they are born. As such, societal status, financial capability, and power become elements of decision-making for females when selecting the perfect dating partner. This assertion explains why on various dating sites females would state that one of the characteristics a suitable dating male partner must have is financial stability. This requirement is not related to materialism, but it is an inherent survival mechanism in females to ensure that the young ones are taken care of long enough to grow, find their mates, and pass genotypes to the coming generation.
Reference
Bengtson, V. L., Acock, A. C., Allen, K., Dilworth-Anderson, P., Klein, D. (Eds.). (2005). Sourcebook of family theory & research. Sage Publications.