theorygeleitet

The term "theorygeleitet" is a German adjective that translates to "theory-driven" or "guided by theory" in English. It is used in academic and research contexts to describe an approach, method, or study that is fundamentally based on and informed by existing theoretical frameworks.

When a process or investigation is described as theorygeleitet, it signifies that it is not merely empirical or data-collection focused, but rather starts from, engages with, and aims to test, refine, or develop theoretical concepts. This implies that the research questions, hypotheses, design, data analysis, and interpretation are all shaped by a pre-existing body of knowledge and theoretical understanding within a particular field.

For instance, a theorygeleitet study in sociology might investigate social inequality by first establishing a theoretical model of class structure and then collecting data to see how well that model explains observed disparities. In contrast, a purely descriptive study might simply document patterns of inequality without explicitly referencing or testing a theoretical framework.

The application of a theorygeleitet approach helps to provide structure, coherence, and deeper understanding to research. It allows for generalization of findings beyond the specific case studied and contributes to the ongoing development and refinement of theoretical knowledge. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of theory and empirical observation in advancing scientific understanding.