Sociologists (Zetterberg, 1965) refer to at least four types of theory: theory as classical literature in sociology, theory as sociological criticism, taxonomic theory, and scientific theory.

The psychodynamic approach includes all the theories in psychology that see human functioning based upon the interaction of drives and forces within the person, particularly unconscious, and between the different structures of the personality.

S.) is a post-masters specialist degree in psychology, and is usually specialized in school psychology. The degree is a four-year program, the first two years earning an MS (usually in general psychology, developmental psychology, or school psychology) and the last two earning the specialist degree.

One lesson is that the reason a “good” theory should be testable, be coherent, be economical, be generalizable, and explain known findings is that all of these characteristics serve the primary function of a theory–to be generative of new ideas and new discoveries.

A theory is an attempt to explain why and so to provide understanding. A theory is not necessarily factually based – how we understand and provide explanations arises from our cultural background and how we view the world.

There is a checklist for writing a Personal Perspective essay:

1. Write about something that’s been on your mind for a while.
2. Carve out your own turf.
3. Help the readers understand your point of view.
4. Find a style suited to your subject but distinctly in your own voice.

In this sense, theories are the center of research. They are both the starting and reference point of sociological research. As a network of hypotheses or recognized empirical legalities, theories basically have the function to describe, explain and predict situations.