Educators may ask, “Why do we need theory at all?” The aim of science is to understand phenomena studied. Certainly, most people would accept this statement in relation to theory. Even philosophers require theory to question what is knowledge, what is reality, and what is of value?
Theory comes from the Greek word theoria connoting “wakefulness of mind.” It is a type of “pure viewing” of truth. Theory explains reality; it makes people aware of their world and its interactions. Many writers have ascribed four functions to theory: (1) description; (2) prediction; (3) explanation; and (4) guidance.” Although some writers disagree about which function is paramount, most view all as important and as closely related.
1. Description
Description provides a narrative classification of knowledge in a particular theoretical field. It furnishes a structure through which individual’s interpretations of complex activities can be verified. It organizes and summarizes knowledge. A theory “tells” us that there are certain variables and that they interact in particular ways or has certain relationships to other variables; it does not indicate why certain variables are important nor they are interrelated. Theory
