The Linkage between Theory and Research in Family Science

There is a need to make theory a more explicit part of empirical research as family science moves beyond a purely positivist philosophy of science. The purpose of this article is to advocate for a tighter reciprocal interaction between theory and empirical research in family science. Specifically, it is suggested that we would build our consensual knowledge base and serve the needs of family science more effectively if this interaction were made more explicit in research reports. A systems model of scientific activities in family science is presented, and the practice of utilizing family theories in empirical research is discussed and illustrated by reviewing research publications in the family field.