According to the Collins online dictionary it defines theory as the following;
1. a system of rules, procedures, and assumptions used to produce a result
2. abstract knowledge or reasoning a speculative or conjectural view or idea
3. an ideal or hypothetical situation
4. a set of hypotheses related by logical or mathematical arguments to explain and predict a wide variety of connected phenomena in general terms
5. a nontechnical name for hypothesis
From a sociological point of interpretation, theory can be defined firstly by Giddens and Sutton (2013, p.9) as a way of creating theoretical explanations using a series of logically related statements that explain a wide variety of experimental or factual situations. Secondly by Lawson and Garrod (2009, p.276 and 322) as a systematic and general attempt to explain the phenomenon of the social world around us and how society works and thirdly by Ritzer (2014, p.37) as a set of interconnected ideas that have a wide range of use in economy, religion and society as a whole, whilst dealing with centrally important issues, for example, violence, revolution and exploitation in the work world. It is important to remember these interconnected ideas have stood the test of time despite our world constantly changing and with
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We can only develop valid theoretical explanations if we are able to test them by means of experimental research. Factual research and explanatory theories are closely related and unless they are guided by some sort of knowledge of theory, their work is unlikely to explain the complexity of it, which in hindsight makes sense. Without a theoretical approach we would not have a clue where to begin a particular study or interpreting the results at the end. Giddens and Sutton (2013, p.10). Theories are needed as they allow us to provide explanations rather than simply listing as string of facts