A theory is a statement that describes, explains and predicts the cause and effect of a particular research investigation. It is an integrated group of principles that define and anticipate observed events - as well as presenting ideas that summarize and explicate social phenomena. The roles of theories are considerable as they are incessantly utilised in all forms of psychological research studies. There are numerous roles that theories are utilised for. I have endeavored to include them all along with how theories relate to hypothesis, variables and methods.

The role of a theory is to expand our knowledge beyond the obvious information and lead us to generalisations and predictions. In psychological research, a theory is the most significant factor: it determines the manner in which the research will be performed; the purpose of conducting the investigation; and defines the subject that is being researched.

A theory's function is to stimulate and guide the research and researcher towards the explanation of how the results from the study were attained. It is also used in the identification of the primary causes that influence the particular studies final results.

Theories arrange distinct observations and data and place them in a context that gives them unique meaning and connection to each other.

The first is the descriptive method. With this method, research is aimed at displaying what has occurred under a specialised set of conditions.

Coleman, J. S. (1990) Foundations of Social Theory. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

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