Question: Understanding the relationship between theory and research is not a very straightforward thing to do, but this is greatly important since this understanding help to provide a framework for any research that is being conducted. Understanding this relationship is also important because the truth is that the two concepts cannot be separated in the education field.
Usually, the relationship between theory and research is one big cycle since they influence one another (Fawcett, 1999). Theories are only developed when knowledge has always been discovered and analysis is all done. What this simply means is the fact that research forms the basis for theory development. In order to reach a conclusion on an issue, it has to be researched and well analyzed to ensure that information provided at the end is factual. For example, with the theory that HIV cannot be transmitted through breastfeeding was developed after a series of research experiments. In general, research is the basis of theory and that which enriches facts in a theory. When a theory is developed most often than not questions are raised on issues being addressed by the theory, the raising of these question leads to further research in order to find answers and make the theory stronger and more credible. This, therefore, means that theories form a major origin of research questions as it leads to continuous and deeper research in an area to further rove facts and fix various shortcomings raised in the theory (Goodson, 2010).
This relationship between theory and research is the basis for knowledge expansion. Research leads to theory and then theory leads to further research. This relationship and cycle help advance the knowledge on an issue to great dimensions.