The Application of Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Application of Theory - Essay Example Thus, Maslow’s hierarchical theory of motivation can be most valuable in explaining human behavior, which has the alternative in Freudian theory of psychoanalysis. Similarly, ballistic theory can be used in dealing with measurable factors. In short, there are several types of theories which may be used in the general human activities. It is most relevant to notice that a theory is a coherent set of general propositions and the term proposition has vital significance in the understanding of theory. It is also important to differentiate between propositions and hypotheses and both these terms help one in understanding a theory. Though concepts are the basic units of theory development, it is the relationship among different concepts which interest the scientists who make a theory. â€Å"Propositions are statements concerned with the relationships among concepts. A proposition explains the logical linkage among certain concepts by asserting a universal connection between concepts.† (Zikmund, 43). According to a proposition, all concepts about an event or thing have some particular properties and they stand in relation to each other. Abstract thinking is essential part of theory which is an abstraction from observed reality and propositions require one to analyze concepts at abstract level. In short, theories may be comprehended as networks of propositions which work at abstract level. â€Å"A hypothesis is a proposition that is empirically testable. It is an empirical statement concerned with the relationship among variables.† (Zikmund, 44). Hypotheses are used in testing the validity of a proposition empirically and both have significant differences, though they are parts of a theory. Concepts and variables are fundamental aspects in a theory development and they differ greatly from each other. Theory development is a process of describing a phenomenon at the abstract level and