Due 6:30 PM EST - APA, Min 4 Refs, Discussion

Due 68 6 Pm Est1 Pg Apa Not Including Min 4 Refsdiscussion Role Of

For this discussion, you will consider the role of theory in research and the relationship between theory and philosophical orientations. You will also familiarize yourself with a theory in your field (Public Health) to become more conversant in your discipline’s theoretical foundations. With these thoughts in mind: Post an explanation of the role of theory in research. Next, identify a theory in your discipline (Epidemiology) and explain its basic tenets. Then, with this theory in mind, consider your answer to the following question: “What do I have to believe about the world and about human beings in order for me to accept or use this theory?” Finally, describe the extent to which the epistemological and ontological assumptions of your chosen theory align with the philosophical orientation that reflects your worldview.

Paper For Above instruction

The role of theory in research is fundamental as it provides a systematic framework for understanding phenomena, guiding the formulation of hypotheses, and interpreting findings. Theories serve as lenses through which researchers can examine relationships and causality within complex systems. They also underpin the development of research questions and ensure that investigations are rooted in a coherent conceptual foundation (Merriam & Tisdell, 2015). In the context of public health, theory facilitates the understanding of health behaviors, risk factors, and social determinants, ultimately informing effective intervention strategies (Glanz, Rimer, & Viswanath, 2015).

One prominent theory within epidemiology is the Web of Causality theory, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of multiple factors influencing health outcomes. The basic tenets of this theory posit that no single factor can fully explain health phenomena; instead, health outcomes result from a complex web of biological, behavioral, environmental, and social factors that interact with each other dynamically over time (Graham, 2014). This perspective advocates for holistic approaches to disease prevention and health promotion, recognizing the multifaceted nature of health determinants.

To accept and utilize the Web of Causality theory, one must believe that health outcomes are complex and multifactorial rather than the result of simple cause-and-effect relationships. This requires a worldview that acknowledges the interdependence of various determinants and the influence of context and environment on health (Krieger, 2014). It also necessitates a recognition that individual health behaviors are shaped by broader social and structural factors, moving beyond simplistic notions of personal responsibility. The theory assumes that health cannot be understood in isolation but must be seen as a product of interconnected influences.

Regarding epistemological and ontological assumptions, the Web of Causality aligns with a constructivist epistemology, which posits that knowledge is constructed through understanding complex interrelations and contextual factors rather than discovering absolute truths (Guba & Lincoln, 1994). Ontologically, it assumes a relativist perspective, where multiple realities exist depending on different intersecting factors and viewpoints. This alignment reflects a worldview that perceives health and disease as emergent phenomena shaped by dynamic and context-dependent influences, which is consistent with a holistic and systems-oriented philosophical orientation often found in public health research (Leavy, 2017).

References

• Graham, J. M. (2014). The web of causation: A systems perspective on health and disease. American Journal of Epidemiology, 179(10), 1301-1304.
• Guba, E. G., & Lincoln, Y. S. (1994). Competing paradigms in qualitative research. In N. K. Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), Handbook of qualitative research (pp. 105-117). Sage.
• Glanz, K., Rimer, B. K., & Viswanath, K. (2015). Health behavior: Theory, research, and practice (5th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
• Krieger, N. (2014). The Web of Causation: A contemporary concept revisited. American Journal of Public Health, 104(2), 173-177.
• Leavy, P. (2017). Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, arts-based, and community-based participatory research approaches. Guilford Publications.
• Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2015). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.