teooriatega

Teooriatega is an Estonian compound term formed from teooria (theory) and the instrumental suffix -ga meaning "with" or "together with." In scholarly usage, teooriatega denotes a theoretical orientation or stance in which theory informs, guides, or constrains the analysis and interpretation of phenomena. It is not a theory in itself but a descriptor that signals that the research is theory-driven or theory-based.

In Estonian academic writing one commonly encounters phrases such as teooriatega lähenemine (a theory-based approach) or teooriatega uurimus (a study guided by theory). The term encompasses various theoretical traditions, from classical frameworks to contemporary theories, and can be applied across disciplines including sociology, linguistics, education, media studies, and literary analysis. The exact theories invoked depend on the field and research question.

The use of teooriatega emphasizes coherence between research questions, methods, and interpretations, but it can also invite criticism if theory is applied inflexibly or without sufficient reference to empirical data. Critics argue that an overly theory-laden approach may overlook anomalies or alternative explanations, while proponents maintain that an explicit theoretical stance improves transparency and comparability.

Related terms include teooria (theory) and teoreetiline (theoretical); in practice, teooriatega is a flexible, descriptive label rather than a fixed school or doctrine.