To begin with, it is necessary to mention that both theory and research are interrelated. The main purpose of any study is to prove or refute a particular theory. In contrast, the primary goal of any theory is to develop a new approach to an existing problem. In turn, any theory practice is based on the main concepts or considerations mentioned in the initial theoretical statement.
The main types and purposes of any theory in relation to their practices and research-based on their theses imply the further explanation of a newly developed thought with the help of its observations from different perspectives. The descriptive type of theory and research is intended to “describe or classify specific dimensions or characteristics of individuals, groups, situations, or events by summarizing the commonalities found in discrete observations” (Fitzpatrick & McCarthy, 2014, p. 36). The majority of descriptive studies are performed with the help of empirical methods. Hence, their theories and practices based on this research are considered to be relevant and applicable for implementation regularly.
Another type to be discussed in the given section is the relational theory and correlational research. These theories and practices based on them determine specific characteristics of patients, including situations, groups, and events (Jairath, Peden-Mcalpine, Sullivan, Vessey, & Henly, 2018). The main intention of this type of study is to explain and describe relations among all the mentioned aspects.
The final type is the explanatory theory and experimental research. This type is aimed at identifying various reasons why a particular phenomenon occurs. In turn, explanatory research seeks answers to such questions. Hence, these activities are interrelated and use quantifiable information to argue a certain viewpoint. It must be mentioned that explanatory theories can be proven or refuted only by experimental practices and research results.
References
Fitzpatrick, J. J., & McCarthy, G. (2014). Theories guiding nursing research and practice: Making nursing knowledge development explicit. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.
Jairath, N. N., Peden-Mcalpine, C. J., Sullivan, M. C., Vessey, J. A., & Henly, S. J. (2018). Theory and theorizing in nursing science. Nursing Research, 67(2), 188-195. Web.