What does a good theory do?

 

 

“There is nothing quite as practical as a good theory.”(Lewin,1951,p 10). The trick lies in the truth that only good theory is practical.  It is difficult to find an explanation as to how even the simplest model or phenomenon works, so many people have given up on trying to find good theory.  Although it is almost impossible to explain how a phenomenon works, some sort of framework should be established.  This is what makes a theory useful or not.  Seemingly, a good theory should not overwhelm our common sense, making it seems that the theory is outrageous.  There needs to be a convergence of clarity, common sense, and consistency when trying to prove, believe, or understand a good theory.  Facts cannot necessarily prove theory, but our minds can tell us whether or not to believe them( Howard Journal of Communication, 1995, p. 146). If something likens our preferences then we are more likely to accept this theory. Therefore, a good theory has much correlation to our common senses. http://www.googlism.com/what_is/a/a_good_theory.html.     \

 

Effective and purposeful theory is based on exceptional theory.  This kind of theory is both beneficial and shields us from bad and sloppy thinking.  Unfortunately, even a good theory can obscure our beliefs.  A good theory contains so much material at times, that our minds do not see the whole picture and do not see the theory as an entire system of knowledge.  Although the focus is what a theory intends to do, there are some things that theories do not do.  Some of these items include: hypotheses, references, data, diagrams, and a list of variables.  Theories do not pose any of these common misconceptions. http://www.si.umich.edu 

 

On the other hand, theory is an answer to the question why.  Theory possesses qualities that connect, tell a story, obtain structure, and develop thought.  Also, it provides reasons for timing of events and what came first.  On most occasions, theory has convincing arguments.  For many, theory is a link between experience and knowledge.  There is an intertwined method between theory, experience, and knowledge.  This method encompasses explaining, observing, and understanding. “Theories, then, serve to satisfy a very human “need” to order the experiences world.”(Dubin,2000,p.30).

 

Theory helps to solve a problem or to overcome and obstacle.  Good theory helps and enables many advances to take place.  Various aspects about the world are used because of good theory.  Although a theory may be very large and vague to some extent, the foundation of the theory can be used to incorporate ideas into an important task or large organization.  Fortunately, theory gives us a head start.  With this concept, many important businesses or organizations can begin with the theory and the knowledge it has already constructed and build from that concept.  Also, theories can assist in predicting trends or making sense of a lot of things.(Cheney, Christensen, Ganesh,& Zorn, 2004.)  The world is very fast pace and with the benefit of theories, many tasks can get accomplished quickly and more effectively.  A good theory is consistent and explains many different and difficult situations for us.


 

Good Theory2

The rest of the world poses many complicated processes which are confusing and are left

unexplained.  Therefore, good theories must be simple to understand and straightforward. http://www.psy.pdx.edu/PsiCafe/keytheorists/   Secondly, good theories need to leave room for debate and leave an opportunity for further challenge.  Lastly and possibly most importantly, good theories should be able to be used in everyday life to assist and create meaningful conclusions for everyday people inside the working world and outside of it.  Many people correlate theories with the knowledge based environment, but they should assist in daily routines as well.  “That’s another reason why theories are so useful-they allow us the freedom no to get to immersed in day-to-day practicalities and to understand similar differences across situations.”(Cheney et al., 2004).

Simplicity seems to be the key in obtaining and defending a good theory.  It seems to be a method of “good” thinking that the source should begin with a simple theory and build off that instead of beginning with a complex idea(Teacher Education Quarterly,1998,p.37-38).  The most intense experience can be sought from an idea that was simple to understand.  Good theory, therefore, should be easy enough to understand but contain enough knowledge based material to promote further intelligence.  Despite the simplicity, good theory should be direct and explicit(Business Horizons, 2004,p.7-8).  This means that the explanation is sparing and frugal; it requires assumptions and explanations within generally accepted parameters. (Swenson, David).”We all carry around theories with us, even though we don’t always call them that.  Each of us has a theory of love, of friendship, of money, of power, etc.”(Cheney et al., 2004).  Thus, theory gives us the optimum chance to modify, enhance, or re-create what we have already embedded in our minds.                                                                                                                                                

Also, check out the COM300 textbook for awesome additional information on theory!  I love communication theory.  I am seriously thinking of becoming a communication theorist when I grow up.

 

References

 

Banks, S. & Banks S.(1995).Cultural identity, resistance, and “good theory”:

implications for intercultural communication theory from gypsy culture. Howard Journal of Communication, 6, 146-149.

 

Cheney, G., Christensen L.T., Ganesh, S., & Zorn T. Jr.(2004). Organizational Communication in an Age of Globalization: Issues, Reflections, and Practices. United States of America: Waveland press, Inc.

 

Johnson, E.(1998).The importance of theory. Teacher Education Quarterly, 25, 37-

38.

 

Lundberg, C.C.(2004). Is there nothing so practical as a good theory? Business Horizons, 47, 7-8.