Definition of
Theory:
A systematic interpretation of an area of knowledge that
attempts to organize observations.
Learning Theories are attempts to systematize what is known
about learning. Theories have two main values to
researchers and educators. First, they provide conceptual
frames and vocabulary for interpreting and understanding
learning that can be observed in humans and animals. When
observers (teachers, researchers, and others who are
interested in learning) have a common framework in the form
of a model or theory to explain their observations, they
can build and expand what is known in meaningful and useful
ways. Secondly, theories and models of learning help us
know where to look for practical solutions to practical
problems in the classroom and other learning environments.
(Merriam & Caffarella, 1991).
Criteria
for a useful theory (Lefrancois, 1972):
1. A theory serves as a means of approaching an area of
knowledge. It includes facts, laws, and principles. A
theory may introduce it's own descriptive language.
Different theories for the same area may lead to different
approaches to the same subject area.
2. A theory should be parsimonious... this means the
simplest and shortest statement that adequately covers the
facts.
3. A theory should explain an summarize the observations
about the subject area.
4. A theory should be predictive in the area of the
phenomena it explains.
5. A theory should include testable hypotheses
6. A theory should be logically consistent.
Problems with scientific testing in psychology include
three principal limiting features:
1. Observations are usually not incontestable facts
2. The subject matter is confounded by the subject. The
investigator has difficulty distancing himself from the
subject he proposes to study.
3. Limited control over the relevant variables. While some
design considerations can be introduced to reduce this
problem (such as matched groups etc.) it is usually
impossible to account for all relevant variables in
psychological experimentation.
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