A theory is usually contrasted with fact and as such, it is erroneously viewed as an idea formed from speculation. In science and psychology, however, a theory articulates principles of observed phenomena which have been validated to some extent (Nelson-Jones, 2006).
A theory’s basic components are a set of assumptions and concepts related to each other that explain, describe or predict a phenomenon. It is noteworthy that theories are never proven true; they are only verified by collecting relevant empirical data that supports the theory and a strong theory is one supported by empirical data while a weak theory lacks empirical evidence.
A theorist is anyone who uses a theory or explains a theory. Therapists for example, are theorists because they use theories to make sense of a client’s distress and use theoretical principles to alleviate the distress. A theory is very important to a theorist for the following reasons:
First, a theory organizes and summarizes knowledge. Principles, assumptions and concepts are the building blocks of a theory and are usually related in such a way that they explain, describe or predict a phenomenon. A good theory is both parsimonious and comprehensive (Gauch, 2003); explaining, describing or predicting a phenomenon with as few words as possible hence acting as a summary presentation of knowledge.
In addition, theories act as conceptual frameworks thus organize assumptions, explanations and relationships in a meaningful model. In therapy for example, a theory gives the therapist a means to make sense of a client’s unhelpful behavior, possible reasons why the client developed the behavior, ways the therapist can help the client change the behavior and consolidate the gains on termination of counseling.
Secondly, theories act as languages in that they give a theorist a worldview or a way for them to analyze phenomena and make sense of it. In counseling for example, the theoretical framework the therapist subscribes to determines how they approach a problem (Nelson-Jones, 2006).
The theoretical framework further influences how therapists handle clients during the counseling period and how they help the clients find solutions to their problems.
In this sense, a theory can limit a theorist’s ability to deal with a problem if they subscribe to only one theory as one theory might prove insufficient to deal with the problem. On the other hand, problem-solving capacity is enhanced if a theorist is eclectic as this gives the theorist several angles from which to approach a problem; combining theories if need be.
The third reason theories are important to theorists is that theories beget knowledge. Research has its basis in theory and good research is a source of theories which expand existing knowledge or bringing forth new knowledge. A good theory can be disproven (Gauch, 2003) and in doing so, a researcher sets out to test an antithesis to the thesis of the theory.
Theory provides a platform on which a theorist makes a predictive hypothesis (Nelson-Jones, 2006) and by collecting data to prove or disprove the hypothesis, the theory is either verified or disproved and altered to match the new evidence. This dialectic process refines existing knowledge and sometimes brings about new knowledge.
In conclusion, it is reasonable to assert that theory is indispensable to a theorist for the three reasons discussed. Theory not only gives a theorist means of making sense of knowledge, but also provides a summary of knowledge, a way to organize knowledge and is a source of knowledge.
References
Gauch, H. G. (2003). Scientific Method in Practice. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Nelson-Jones, R. (2006). Theory and Practice of Counselling and Therapy (4th ed.). London: Sage Publications Ltd.