The Impact of Empirical Research on Sociological Theory
Nadia I. Hyasat, Sociology and Social Service Department,Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.
Abstract
The study aims to show the impact of empirical field research on social theories, to find a close relationship between theory and field research, and to explore how some field research modifies, supports, or deconstructs a theory. In this way, this research highlights the power of field studies to guide social theory towards addressing some gaps existing in the social theory.
The study has found significant results. Some of these significant results include: field research can produce, support, or modify an existing social theory; field research can provide theorists with new information through empirical evidence; there is a close relationship between field research and social theory as both are vital components of any research, knowledge, and scholarship. Hence, any theoretical issues should be empirically supported, enhanced by empirical evidence or statistical results, and related to field studies as such evidence and studies contribute to empowering these issues and increasing their credibility.