Theory and the Real World

Research serves as a guide by which to study, describe, and quantify an array of social and physical phenomenon. Theory, which is best described as a set of propositions or hypotheses that specify the relationship among a subset of variables, serves as a way of offering an intellectualized general commentary on that which is observed. Using material found in Chapter 3 of this week's required reading, describe how theory is applicable to a research study. Answer the questions: 

• How does theory inform a research study? 
• How can a generalized theory remain timely enough to be applicable to new or innovative studies? 

Your initial post should be at least 400 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.