The aim of this page is to help readers and authors understand the relationship between 'theory' and research. Contributions and questions from researchers at all levels will be welcomed.  However, questions on other research issues should be dealt with on either the Research methods page or the Beginners' page.

A new site on theories in education and learning.

The owner, Rob Colston, has drawn my attention to learning-theories.com

This interesting site presents information and links on various theories of learning - many of which are also employed in information research.  Here are a couple of Rob's definitions to whet your appetite:

What is a theory?

• A general principle that explains or predicts facts, observations or events.
• A theory is generally accepted as valid having survived repeated testing.
• Note: A theory can never be established beyond all doubt.

What is a model?

• A model is a theoretical construct or mental picture that helps one understand something that cannot easily be observed or experienced directly.

The Epistemological Lifeboat

Professor Birger Hjorland and Jeppe Nicolaisen at the Royal Danish School of Librarianship maintain this interesting site, sub-titled, Epistemology and Philosophy of Science for Information Scientists.  Here, you'll find brief accounts of many epistemological ideas: Habermas's theory of communicative action, Phenomenology, Social epistemology, etc. - they're all here.