About Theory

ONE of the many topics that are often difficult to be understood by the students is the theory. Learn about the theory as considered as a very confusing thing. Complicated. Complex. Even sometimes boring. In fact, if explored further, the theory it will help a lot in understanding a number of phenomena that were analyzed by a discipline. So what exactly is meant by theory?

Scientific knowledge learned in college essentially aims to explain, predict / predicting, and controlling what can be known by man. In scientific knowledge there are a number of theories. The theory is essentially scientific knowledge that includes an explanation of a particular phenomenon in a particular discipline. Kerlinger (1965) described the theory as a set of concepts, definitions, and propositions are interrelated, which presents a systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations among multiple variables with the intention of explaining and predicting phenomena.

Not all collection of concepts, definitions, and propositions can be claimed as a theory. Generally agreed that the collection should have some idea of the following criteria to be accepted theoretically (Black & Champion: 1992). First, a collection of ideas should be logically consistent. Do not have internal contradictions. Second, a collection of ideas to be interrelated. Do not have statements that are not related to each other. Third, the statements must be complete. Fourth, the arguments must stand alone with each other. There is no repetition. Fifth, a collection of ideas must be tested empirically (real) in the field.

As was previously noted in a statement Kerlinger, Black, and Champion, the theory contains the proposition. What is a proposition? Postulate is a statement which seeks to explain the link between the variables in a causal relationship. It also can be interpreted as a statement that applies generally to a group of symptoms or a particular phenomenon. Although not identical, the argument can be interpreted together with the law, principle, or assumptions in a theory.