PAPER

INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH
“Definition of theory and its focus and The use of theories in research”

By group v

Hasrini(170230039)

Silda(170220059)

TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION FACULTY

OF SEMBILANBELAS NOVEMBER UNIVERSITY
KOLAKA
2020
 LIST OF CONTENT

TITLE SHEET ...................................................................................................... i

LIST OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................... ii

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION ......................................................................... 1

1.1. Background ........................................................................................................... 1

1.2. Problem formulation ............................................................................................. 1
1.3. Purpose ................................................................................................................... 1

CHAPTER II DISCUSSION ................................................................................ 2

2.1 Definition of theory ................................................................................................ 2

2.2 The focus of theory ................................................................................................ 4
2.3 the use of theory in research ............................................................................. 6

CHAPTER III CLOSING ..................................................................................... 9

3.1 Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 9

REFERENCES . ................................................................................................... 10
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

A. Background

After the research problem is formulated, the next step in research, including quantitative
research, is to look for theories, concepts and generalizations of research results that can be used
as a theoretical basis for conducting research. Every research that is carried out must be based on
a theory that is in accordance with the topic or problem we are researching so that the research
we do has a strong foundation and is not just arbitrary. All research is scientific in nature,
therefore a researcher must stick to the theory. Because theory is one of the most fundamental
things that a researcher must understand when he conducts research because from existing
theories, researchers can find and formulate social problems that he observes systematically for
further development in the form of research hypotheses.

B. Problem formulation
1. What is definition of theory?
2. What are the focus of theory in research?
3. What is the use of theory in research?

C. Purpose
1. To know the definition of theory
2. To know the focus theory in research
3. To find out the usefulness of theory in research
 CHAPTER II
DISCUSSION

A. Definition of theory

The notion of theory in general is an analysis of the relationship between one fact and
another in a collection of facts arranged systematically, logically (rational), empirically (reality),
as well as symbolically in explaining a phenomenon. According to Jonathan H. turner(1986:5)
Theory is a process of developing ideas that help us explain how and why events occur.
From his book Pak Erwan and Dyah (2007) theory by definition is a series of concepts
that have a systematic relationship to explain a particular social phenomenon. Furthermore, he
said that theory is one of the most fundamental things that a researcher must understand when he
is conducting research because from the existing theories, researchers can find and formulate
social problems that they observe systematically for further development in the form of research
hypotheses.

Theory in science means a model or frame of mind that explains natural phenomena or certain
social phenomena. Theories are formulated, developed, and evaluated according to the scientific
method. The theory is also a hypothesis that has been proven correct

In many literatures, it is explained that theory (which comes from the word: thea) always uses a
thought structure that is structured systematically, logically (rational), empirically (reality), as
well as symbolic in explaining a phenomenon.

Theory as the result of human thought certainly does not come just like that, the discovery of a
theory is based on a result of repeated research and testing to produce a hypothesis and develop
into a theory.

Theory has two general characteristics:

a. All theories are "abstractions" about something. Thus theory is limited in nature.
b. All theories are constructs of individual human creation. Therefore, it is relative in the
sense that it depends on the point of view of the creator of the theory, the nature and
aspects of things observed, and other binding conditions such as time, place and the
surrounding environment.
There are two kinds of theories, namely intuitive theory and scientific theory.
a. Intuitive theory is a theory built on practical experience. Meanwhile,
b. scientific theory (formal theory) is a theory that is built on the basis of research
results.
Mark (1963) distinguishes between 3 types of theories, namely:
 Deductive theory: provides information starting from a certain prediction or speculative
thought towards the data to be explained
 Inductive theory: the way to explain it is from data to theory, in an extreme form this
posivistic point of view is found in behaviorism
 Functional theory: here is an interaction of influence between data and theoretical
estimates, that is, data affects theory formation and re-theory influences data.

B. The focus of theory

Focus theory differentiated into 3, namely substantive theory, formal theory, dan midle range
theory.
1. Subtantive theory is developed for a specific area of social concern, such as deliquent
gangs, strikes, diforce, or ras relation.
2. Formal theory is developed for a broad conceptual area in general theory, such as
deviance; socialization, or power.
3. Midle range theory are slightly more abstract than empirical generalization or specific
hypotheses. Midle range theories can be formal or subtantive. Midle range theory is
princippally used in sociology to guide empirical inquiry.

The theory used for the formulation of hypotheses to be tested through data collection is
substantive theory, because this theory focuses more on the object to be studied.

C. The use of theory in research

All research is scientific, therefore all researchers must be armed with a theory. In
quantitative research, the theory used must be clear, because the theory here will serve to clarify
the problem under study, as a basis for formulating hypotheses and as a reference for developing
research instruments. Therefore, the theoretical basis in a quantitative research proposal must be
clear what theory will be used. The function of theory in a study is as follows:
1) Theory is used to clarify and sharpen the scope or construct of the variables to be studied.
2) To formulate hypotheses and compile research instruments.
 3) Predict and help find facts about something to be researched (Sugiyono, 2016).

According to Littlejohn (1996) there are 9 (nine) function theories, namely:

1. Organizing and concluding

We don't see the world in pieces of data. So that in observing reality we should not do it
halfway. We need to organize and synthesize the things that happen in life. Patterns and
relationships must be searchable and discoverable. Then organized and concluded. The result is a
theory that can be used as a reference or basis for future study efforts.

2. Focus

Theory basically only explains about one thing, not many things. For that the aspects of an
object must be clearly focused.

3. Explain

The theory must be able to make an explanation of what it observes. This explanation is
useful for understanding patterns, relationships and also interpreting certain phenomena. Or in
other words theories provide milestones for interpreting, explaining and understanding the
complexity of human relationships.

4. Observe

Theory not only explains what to observe but also provides clues as to how to observe it.
Especially for theories that provide operational definitions, the theorist provides the most
accurate indication of what a particular concept might mean. So by following the directions we
are led to observe the intricacies described by the theory.

5. Make predictions

Based on this prediction function, based on data and observations, an estimate must be made
of what would happen if the things described by the theory were also reflected in life in the
present.

6. Heuristics (helps the discovery process)

 A well-known axiom is that a good theory breeds research. The theory that was created must
be able to stimulate the emergence of further research efforts.

7. Communicating knowledge

Theory must be published, discussed, and open to criticism. So that the refinement of the
theory can be done.

8. Control / supervise

This function arises from questions of value, in which theorists attempt to judge the
effectiveness and appropriateness of certain behaviors. Theory can function as a means of
controlling or controlling the behavior of human life.

9. Generative

This function is particularly prominent among supporters of the interpretive school and
critical theory. According to them, theory also functions as a means of social and cultural
change, as well as a means of creating new patterns and ways of life.

According to Borg and Gall (1989), and Latief (2012) on Prof. Dr. Mudjia Raharjo, M.Si
explains six reasons why literature / theory studies should be carried out, as described below:

1. It is very useful to sharpen the formulation of the proposed research problem, so that it is
likely that the formulation of the problem that has been made changes after the researcher
has read the literature because he has an insight into the theme under study more widely
than before Thus, problem formulation, especially in qualitative research, is tentative.
Many studies fail because the problems under study are too broad. The formulation of a
specific problem in a small scope is much better than a broad and general one. Generally,
the formulation of the problem is not clear which results in the data obtained that is also
unclear, so that there is no continuity between the problem to be answered and the
existing data. So, the conclusion does not come from data, but the personal opinion of the
researcher. Of course this cannot be justified. This can be avoided through serious
literature review.
2. Literature review is not only to learn what other people have done, but also to see what
previous researchers have missed and haven't reviewed.
 3. To see that our research approach is sterile from other approaches. This is because in
general, literature reviews cause researchers to imitate approaches that have long been
used by others, so that they do not produce meaningful findings. Trying a new approach,
even if it may be wrong, is better than repeating the same thing over and over again even
if it's true. This repetition shows the researcher is not sufficiently reading the literature
adequately. Methodological errors will be followed up and corrected by further
researchers, causing science to develop. Therefore, in science error is not something that
must be covered up. This process is called falsification by Polanyi.
4. Obtain insights about the methods, measures, subjects, and approaches used by others
and can be used to improve the research design we are doing. Research design, especially
for qualitative research, is not a one-time thing, but is constantly being improved in order
to obtain appropriate methods for obtaining data and analyzing it. The reality in the field
is that it is found that the qualitative research design is uniform from one research project
to another. Although departing from the same paradigm, qualitative research designs can
differ from one study to another, because qualitative research departs from certain cases
or phenomena.
5. Through literature review, knowledge can be obtained in the form of recommendations or
suggestions for further researchers. This information is of course very important because
recommendations or suggestions are a summary of the researcher's opinion after
conducting the research. After the research, we are also expected to provide
recommendations or suggestions for future researchers, as we have benefited from
previous researchers. Therefore, a good recommendation or suggestion is not just any
suggestion, but one that can be specifically researched. To find out anyone who has
researched the same field that we are about to do. People who have previously researched
can be used as discussion partners about the themes we are doing, including discussing
things that are lacking or weaknesses in the research, so that we can improve, because he
has gained experience first.

In the research process, to propose a research hypothesis, researchers must read books and
research results that are relevant, complete and up to date. Reading books is the principle of
deductive thinking and reading research results is the principle of induction thinking. In the
theoretical basis, it is necessary to put forward a theoretical description and frame of mind, so
that further hypotheses and research instruments can be formulated.
 CHAPTER III
CLOSING

A. Conclusion

Theory in science means a model or frame of mind that explains natural

phenomena or certain social phenomena. Theories are formulated, developed, and
evaluated according to the scientific method. The theory is also a hypothesis that has
been proven correct.

The function of theory in a study is as follows:

 Theory is used to clarify and sharpen the scope or construct of the variables to be studied.
 To formulate hypotheses and compile research instruments.
 Predict and help find facts about something to be researched (Sugiyono, 2016).
 REFERENCES

Prof. Dr. Sugiyono. 2016. Metode Penelitian Kuantitatif, Kualitatif dan Kombinasi (Mixed
Methods). Bandung: Alfabeta.

Rahardjo,Mudjia.2012.http://www.mudjiarahardjo.com/materi-kuliah/414-manfaatkajian-
pustaka-dalam-penelitian.html (diakses tanggal 27 Oktober 2016)

Rahardjo,Mudjia.2011.http://www.mudjiarahardjo.com/materi-kuliah/329-fungsi-teoridan-
state-of-the-arts-dalam-penelitian.html(diakses tanggal 27 Oktober 2016)

Littlejohn, Stephen. 1996. Theories of Human Communication. Wadsworth Publishing

Company Inc Belmont.

Agus Purwanto, Erwan, Dyah Ratih Sulistyastuti. 2007. Metode penelitian Kuantitatif, Untuk
Administrasi public, dan masalah-masalah sisial. Gaya Media Jogjakarta

https://ismayadwiagustina.wordpress.com/2012/11/26/pengertian-teori/

https://repdayanti.wordpress.com/2017/02/16/makalah-tingkatan-teori/