theoriebasierter

Theoriebasierter is a German attributive adjective meaning grounded in theory or based on theory. It is used to describe approaches, methods, curricula, or analyses that explicitly rely on and are structured by a theoretical framework or model. The term is formed from Theorie (theory) and basieren (to base), and it inflects to agree with the noun it modifies, for example ein theoriebasierter Ansatz or theoriebasierte Konzepte.

In academic discourse, the label signals that reasoning, design, and interpretation follow a specified theory rather than being solely driven by practice, data, or intuition. It is commonly employed to indicate that assumptions, hypotheses, and procedures are derived from an identifiable theoretical position, which may be a particular theory or a broader theoretical framework.

Applications occur across fields such as education, psychology, linguistics, and sociology. For instance, theoriebasierter Unterricht or theoriebasierte Interventionen describe practices that are planned and evaluated in light of a theoretical rationale. The term is often used together with a named theory or with a theoretical framework to clarify the source of guiding concepts and expected relationships.

Strengths of a theoriebasierter approach include coherence, transparency, and the ability to generate testable predictions. Potential criticisms focus on the risk of over-committing to a theory or limiting interpretive flexibility if the theory is not clearly specified or if competing theories are not considered.

See also: theoretical framework, theory-driven research, theory-based evaluation.