Practical Application Part 1-2-3

Introduction

This paper will contain three sections. The first section discusses the nature and aspects of relationships between theory and practice and how theory informs practice and finally the issues involved in the translation of a theory into practice. The second sections discusses a theory of current interest while the last section will discuss how this theory has been applied as well as its appropriateness in solving a problem

Part 1:

A theory is defined by Stam (2007) as a type of systematic classification of knowledge applied in problem-solving. In this definition, Stam (2007) means that theories act as tools of deriving and suggesting solutions to any problems that people face in their livelihood. Bedau and Humpreys (2008) on the other hand defined a theory as a set of facts about a particular theme used as a tool used for explaining, predicting, and creating understanding about such a theme or topic. According to Cresswell (2009), a theory can also be defined as a proposed examination of the relationship between two or more concepts, or a tool for explaining how/why a phenomenon occurs. Meanwhile, Stam  (2010) stated that theories are essential parts of informed practice. Their use in scientific specialties is as broad and vital as research. A theory is used to explain phenomena in their settings. They address practical problems, and that is why scholars such as Creswell (2009) believe that the primary focus of theory is in its application.

A practice, on the other hand, refers to the actual implementation of the results of observation, operation, or experiment. In other scholarly resources, the term practice has been defined as the view of disparate concepts (or a phenomenon) that needs explanation.

Discuss views on the relationship between theory and application or practice.

Apparently, the relationship between theory and practice is reciprocal. It is rare that a practice or application will position itself without the theoretical questions guiding the research. That is true because, without theory, data may be collected but without any sure way of explaining the different observed phenomena, as put forward by Vickery & Thomson (2004). More so, the relationship between the two concepts can be termed symbiotic. That is because an advance in one automatically requires modification of the other. That is to mean that, the advancement, in theory, will indeed lead to the improvement and advancement of practice. A change, in theory, will result in modification of the research and at the far end will result in the modification of the practice to suit the modified theory.  The vice versa is also true (Vickery & Thomson, 2004).

There are other main conceptions through which theory can be related to practice. Apparently, most of these conceptions describe abstract ideas that seek to explain the main points of data as the contents are placed together; we have power, and the relationship is that service conditions entail the use of it. It’s indeed true to say that the structure of a particular society is theoretically expressions in terms of class, gender, and race. In that case, the theory of society states that the society is structured in terms of these three and other prevailing groups (Coombs, 2013). Then there is the production of facts or practicality; the society is influenced by power interests i.e. who benefits from the research carried out and who finances it. In addition, the theory of ideology has a psychological effect that tends to influence human behavior directly or indirectly by changing their patterns of interaction and making people think that they are either more advanced or backward to others. That therefore means that an entirely objective theory is not likely. Theories are majorly influenced by ideologies that affect the relationship between theory and practice. On top of these, there are also values, which are a set of beliefs and norms that influence the practicality of theory (Mark & Sternberg, 2013).

In management, a theory is a tool to provide information to face the assumptions of various managerial practices. A theory is important as a supplier of technical knowledge that is used for solving practical challenges. It demonstrates, creates and explains models to reflect upon necessary and practical action. Practice or application or in their right form practicality and applicability are very important parts of a theory. Without practice or application, the theory makes no sense. Similarly, a theory is equally important as practice makes sense through the reflections designed by theory. As such, a manager will need the interaction both theory and practice to cope with the changing business environment (Coombs, 2013).

Meanwhile, there is also a reciprocal relationship between theory and practice in sociology. In practice, a typical sociologist will make use of an empirical approach when seeking to understand what goes on in the social world and how that happens. It's not possible that the society would follow or practice some behavior without seeking the underlying information why these practices are relevant and consumable. That is where theories come in to answer the why of the importance of some direction of behavior or practice.  Sociologists interact theory and practice and will go back and forth between theory and practice in understanding that the advances in one require modification of the other (Stam, 1996). A sociologist typically works on an already existing theory and seeks to practice that theory in different and new situations. As such, a theory can be termed as an object that influences the practice of empirical research. It shapes what the kinds of data require to be gathered and how this data will be interpreted, and the results applied. This data may be used to confirm the eligibility of the theory, guide what needs to be modified in it, or disprove the theory altogether in that particular context. These changes to the theory then lead to further research (Stam, 2010).

According to Levitov and Fall (2009), the relationship between theory and practice can also be seen in terms of the interdependence between the two. A theory depends on practice for testing while practice depends on theory for guidance. In reality, a person, for instance, a teacher do not talk so much in terms of  “theory” but rather uses the theoretical idea to guide the students in their practices. As such, there should be consistency between theory and practice. As the social scientist, Kurt Lewin, says, “There is nothing so practical as a good theory (Stam, 2010).”

A theory is also related to practice in such a way that they inform each other. A theory informs practice through providing the viable directions for action and rationale for decision-making. Similarly, a practice also informs theory. After careful observation, one can find out that the results of one’s actions provide feedback that enables one to reflect some lived experiences. Therefore, it's with confidence that one can conclude that there is indeed a reciprocal relationship between theory and practice since as one continuously tests a theory, he/she infers new meanings and experience.  One could also conclude that a practitioner can also be a researcher (Stam, 2007).

The relationship between theory and practice is cyclic in nature. Each depends on each other, and this can be represented as follow

How Theory Informs/Guides Practice

There is a range of ways through which a theory informs or guides a practice. However, the aspect of how theory informs practice is majorly determined by the requirements of a specific expected outcome. Going by that, the function of a theory can be said to be the prediction of results. Apparently, many grand theories have been used to guide the practice of Information Science. Among these theories include the queuing theory, the information security and privacy theory, data mining theory, the information storage theory among others. Smaller theories, on the other hand, have been identified to be useful in various settings especially when interpreting a particular behavior or sets of behaviors. Levitov and Fall (2009), say that a theory informs practice and according to them, it does so through providing insight that help interpret contextual behavior and in generating the alternative way of explaining and interpreting behavior in new settings. In short, theory is considered a foundation and framework for any practice.   Any theory can be used to avail information to clarify assumptions of practice (Coombs, 2013). Theory supplies information and technical knowledge that is commonly applied to the solving of practical challenges through its functional roles like demonstrating, explaining and creating models to reflect upon and identify necessary actions (Coombs, 2013).

Issues Involved in Translating Theory into Practice

Many issues are involved in the translation of theory into practice. Among the most common issues are the following:

The first issue is human behavior (Mark & Sternberg, 2013). Theories are used in determining the mode of collection, the method of analysis, basis of classification, storage, recovery, and dissemination of information necessary for a particular structural study. Human beings exhibit certain behavior most of which is intentional, and will affect the research and its outcomes. This behavior changes the results of the practice of theory. The culture and traditions of individuals as part of human behavior affects the expectations and outcomes of research. If a particular theory is to be implemented and in a particular human setting, the theorist may have first to identify the contextual behavior of the inhabitants of the area to determine the practicality of the theory in that field. If this theory diverts from the beliefs and practices of the people in the area, it is almost a fact that the implementation and practice of the theory will be challenged (Mark & Sternberg, 2013). More so, since human beings are the ones charged with the operating of the tools used in the development of the theory such as the collection, analysis, classification, storage, recovery, and dissemination of information, the accuracy of the theory to be practice is always compromised (Levitov & Fall, 2009).  Human is always error bound and is always likely to submit information that is biased. Furthermore, humanity is subject to individualized stereotypes and perspective concerning a theory or topic of concern. Some human classes such as race, status, and gender classes have diverse views that have the potential to affect the results of a practiced theory (Levitov & Fall, 2009).

Besides human behavior, another factor or issue that may inhibit or in any other ways affect the translation of theory into practice is the fact that many theories only explain partial fact or information of a system rather than the whole. It is, however, important to consider that whenever an individual part of the system is affected, it touches everything else. That means that the whole system or the entirety of an object discussed by a theory is subject to issues that affect the individual facets that build it.  As such, some theories face the challenge to champion the many questions asked by people and thus may be limited to explaining in full an individual phenomenon of interest. As such, there is a challenge in implanting and practicing the theory (Levitov & Fall, 2009).

Another problematic issue arising in translating theory into practice is related to language (Mark & Sternberg R, 2013). Some theories are written in a particular academic language that favors specific discipline and, therefore, may fail to be accessible to people who understand another different language. If a theory cannot be understood due to the complexity of re-coding the language it was initially written in, it may in return become complex to use and practice. As such, theorists should use a language and symbols that are understandable by the majority of the masses. That will make it simple to translate to other languages making and in the context, make it readily understandable to many if not all. Visual literature and images can also be used to simplify it further (Mark & Sternberg, 2013). 

Part 2:

A Theory of Current Interest: The explanatory theory of information disciplines

According to Apel (2011), scientific literature has played large role learning. Is has been rated one of the most important sources for the study of information discipline. It is, however, deficient to discuss the importance of information disciplines without first of all discussing their evolution.  That can only be done via discussing a theory of current interest which goes by the name “the explanatory theory.” This theory has been found to be paramount in the interpretation of the evolution and emergence of the learning of information discipline today. There are several types of theories that include the generative, descriptive, predictive, explanatory, and predictive theories but according to Bederson & Shneiderman (2003),  the explanatory theory is a very crucial theory that deals with the current interest in the learning of information discipline. According to (), this theory is developed after the theories mentioned above named the descriptive, and relational theories.

According to Franc (2013), this theory has been linked to causation. That is, the theory stipulates that for one to give explanations for a certain event, there is an initial need to first of all identify its causes. Bedau & Humphreys (2008) explain that the nature of causation is a permanent problem in many fields including philosophy. For years, philosophers have attempted to understand the nature and scope of modern theoretical foundations of science. They have found the explanatory theory very useful in many ways, for instance, its reliability in predicting with precision the relationships between features of an occurrence or the existing differences between groups as viewed by Achinstein (2010). This theory specifically has been useful in defining the cause-effect relationship, establishing the why of a given occurrence, together with benefits of change.

The explanatory theory can provide explanations from two dimensions. These are either from a realistic point of view or the anti- realistic point of examination of a phenomenon under consideration.  Based on the pragmatic point of view, the theory describes a phenomenon from the literal reality point of view. The anti-realistic view, on the other hand, is based on the point of view that entities do not necessarily exist literally; some phenomenon is just imaginary. This view is useful in the description of particular human experiences and for the construction of some consistent empirical models (Frank, 2013).

One of the theories that have been classified as explanatory theories is the Hempel's theory of explanation. This theory explains the anti-logical form, rather than the connection between the event being explained and the facts alleged to explain that event. Such a theory that appeals to the unobservable produce results that is radical. Another theory in this class is the Salmon theory of explanation which contrary to the Hampel's theory gives a realistic account of the causative relationship between the real processes and the exact explanation of the 'why' of a phenomenon.  To gel the realistic and anti-realistic dimensions that are two extreme but correct views, philosophers had to harmonize their basis of explaining themes and interpreting theories (Varun Kalle & Srinivasan, 2011). As much as the truthful explanation of a phenomenon necessary, theorists face the challenge of multiplicity of interpretations since truth has both the realistic and the anti-realistic points of interpretation. The explanatory theory based on the realistic point of view focuses on the connection of language with the observed reality. This aspect of the theory gives us the causal form of the globe (Luenberger, 2012). On the other hand, the anti-realistic point of view of the theory is used as the background for understanding the current experience (Achinstein, 2010).

The explanatory theory discussed as current view, not the classic view:

Just because different people such as scholarly writers interpret the view of the explanatory theory in various ways, does not imply that scholars and other individuals in this field conflict, contend or disagree on the interpretation or application of the theory, they simply beg to express their views rather than differ (Apel, 2011). Today, the conceptualization of the theory continues to grow to include the social effects, practical bases, and theoretical foundations based on online records. The uses of the explanatory theory will thus vary from the industries to the government, in the growth and expansion of the internet. However, the fact will remain that explanatory theory is explained from a cause-effect point of view (Franck, 2013).

Part 3:

How the Theory Discussed Has Been Applied: How the explanatory theory has been applied

The explanatory theory has been applied in many fields and can be modified to fit various areas. However, extensively, this theory has been used in explaining the laws of cause and effect which mean that the theory is applied in explaining how observed phenomena is interpreted based on the cause. Though some academicians might not believe in the use of theories in practice and as much as some of them prefer the use of common sense to the use of theory, theory is vital as it helps in the prediction, and prevents the researcher from unforeseen danger.  Whenever scholars conduct research, it's paramount that their views are put in line with and the closest meaning with the existing connotation of the current theories. That way, it will become applicable to researchers conducting the research. Majority of scholars are of the idea that before conducting review of literature, the researcher ought to set up for analysis of data. Among the idealists of this is Humphreys, (2012) who recommends that researchers must develop the inductive sensitivity that would help in identifying relevant literature. This argument has been the heart of the debate of qualitative research (Løkke & Sørensen, 2014).

Owing to that, the discussion of the relationship between the method of data analysis and theory is a sensitive area that requires address and redress to add full value to the learning of the information discipline. Characteristically, the explanatory theory has been applicable in this area. This theory has been identified to be practically essential in enabling the smooth running of events during the collection, classification, analysis, storage, recovery, and dissemination of information. As a matter of fact, the application of the principles of the explanatory theory improved the accuracy and productivity of the data so collected and increased its retention rates.

More practically, the explanatory theory has been used in explaining the automation of large data amounts, in addition to making it simpler for various users to access it. Other areas that deal with access to information are copyright and patent law. Concerning information storage and retrieval practices, the theory explains how to search for credentials, data, and other documents. It illustrates that the user enters a query, on account of his needs and all the queries that match the objects of the search and those who have similar descriptions will appear. Examples of data objects are photos, text documents and audios/ videos (Chomsky, 2014).

Furthermore, the theory has explained the art of information seeking, a process that attempts to acquire information through technology.

Many scholars including academics, engineers, medical officers, and librarians among others, have applied the explanatory theory, which provides an essential platform for their further studies in various areas. This theory cut across the board in all fields of study and through its application, these researchers have garnered the art of information processing thereby improving their expertise and score in explanation, interpretation and discussions of data that they collect (Petri & Govern, 2012).

Meanwhile, the use of the explanatory theory has been fundamental in creating understanding of information science, an area that is very vital in the everyday life of people. That owes to the fact that manipulation of information is very important in the socioeconomic and political aspect of life. As such, the creation, use, integration, diffusion, and distribution of information are very significant. This theory in effect of that discusses the function of infusion of information and society an area that is can never be ignored if social and political satisfaction is to be achieved. The theory explains the importance of information sharing and recommends the adaptation and adoption of the new technological ways, which enables the free flow of information from one place to another (Berkowitz & Oser, 2013).

The Appropriateness of Theory Application to a Problem

The explanatory theory can be termed appropriate due to many reasons. Among these reasons are the following. In the above section, various ways through which theory informs practice were discussed. As such, since this theory indeed informs practice, it can then help to deal with different elementary research problems such as prejudices, stereotypes, and assumptions that are related to theoretical discriminations (Wyer, Chiu, & Hong, 2013). Secondly, this theory through its exploratory power lays the basis for an approach that is developmental characterized for professional and personal development. It's one of the theories that guide the management through achieving their leadership goals through as it explores the areas that management can concentrate on to ensure a working internal environment of the business. Among the areas of its recommendations for a functional business environment is workers’ commitment, motivation, the fully equipped worker who can effectively challenge the real world complex issues. In brief, the appropriateness of theory as earlier explained in practice is in its accordance with the accurate understanding of the nature and scope of things as they appear in the real world, and the resounding reasoning behind it (Leake, 2014) .

Conclusion

A theory is defined as a supposition or a set of ideas set to explain the appearance and general information about something, especially one based on general principles of the subject independent of the thing to be explained. On the other hand, a practice is the actual implementing of the ideas and theories as interpreted or understood by the observer or the developer of the theory. There are many aspects of dependence or relation between theory and practice/application. In this paper, several dimensions of the relationships between the two have been discussed in details. Though the relationships may not be limited to the ones explained in the above sections of the paper, these relations can be summed up to one: theory makes no sense without practice, i.e. if theory cannot be applied or practiced, then it’s as good as useless. Similarly, practice may not exist without an existing theory. Theories guide people's actions and behavior. As such, sensible practice is reflective of theoretical prompts.  Managers need both theory and practice and the interaction between the both to cope with the changing business environment.

There are many ways through which a theory can be said to guide or inform theory. Most important of all is that theory helps clarify why people are involved in certain practices and sources information about the assumptions of practice. The paper also discusses issues involved in the translations of a theory into practice, and that may inhibit such a smooth translation. Among these issues include human behavior inform of errors, subjectivity, and biases that divert the interpretation of the theory leading to humps in applying a theory. Other issues include complexity of the language used in writing the theory that might block away its practice.

The explanatory theory was also identified and discussed as current theory and its areas of application identified too. Finally, the appropriateness of the theory was analyzed in the paper.  

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Sherry Roberts is the author of this paper. A senior editor at MeldaResearch.Com in custom essay research paper if you need a similar paper you can place your order from online research paper writer.