Theory, Practice, and Research Interrelationship

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Theory, research, and practice are closely and inextricably linked in any scientific or practical activity. One could define theory as a set of interrelated concepts based on an assumption woven together through a set of propositional statements to provide a view of reality (Stepney & Thompson, 2021). In other words, a theory is an idea proposed or presented as possibly accurate but not known or proven true. Thus, the theory provides questions that need to be studied with the help of follow-ups and also provides a framework for use in practice.

However, research can be understood as a process of the scientific study of an object to identify its patterns of occurrence, development, and transformation in the interests of society. It can also study the practical application of new or revised ideas or laws (Stepney & Thompson, 2021). In other words, it is an experimental or systematic observation of phenomena required to confirm specific theories. Thus, the study’s results confirm or generate hypotheses and provide evidence for use in practice.

Moreover, practice can offer questions and data for research. This can be defined as a generally accepted or expected procedure or way of doing something (Hofius, 2020). Practice is the application of knowledge and skills to achieve concrete results. It can serve as a source for theories using the inductive method. Moreover, it can also offer questions and data for research. Summing up, practice invariably encourages asking questions that lead to research ideas, and the answers to these questions are transformed into theories that will guide evidence-based practice.

However, as an integral dynamic system of knowledge, science cannot thrive without enriching itself with new empirical data, without generalizing them in a system of theoretical means, forms, and methods of cognition. At specific points in the development of science, the empirical becomes theoretical and vice versa (Stepney & Thompson, 2021). However, it is unacceptable to absolutize one of these levels to the detriment of the other. In scientific cognition, there is not only the unity of empiricism and theory but also the relationship and the interaction of the latter with practice. It is not an exaggeration to conclude that the more closely and organically practice is connected with theory, the more consistently it is guided by theoretical principles, and the more profound the impact it has on reality. The more thoroughly and meaningfully, the latter is transformed on its basis.

Scientific cognition is more numerous: a multitude of sublevels that enter into complex interactions with each other. Thus, in the empirical work of a scientist, one can see transitions from direct experimental data to more generalized structures. The levels of theoretical work also reveal a specific stratification: particular theoretical models cover certain areas of experience and theoretical constructions of a more abstract, universal nature (Hofius, 2020). However, the totality of the levels of scientific knowledge in the process of research advancement acts as a hierarchically organized structure.

Thus, evidence-based practice, research, and theory are the pillars of all sciences, inseparable from each other. The theory is central to the research process to support the research sample with understanding and direction. The theory can also be used to create and evaluate hypotheses of interest to guide the research process. However, the relationship between theory and evidence-based practice is also mutual. Moreover, practice is the basis for the formation of theory, and theory, in turn, must be confirmed in practice.