Tag Archives: theory

can you say something about the “theory chapter”?

I’ve been asked about writing a theory chapter. But should I say anything? I feel a bit iffy about the very idea. What to do? Take your own advice here. Write for ten minutes about a theory chapter. Write about … Continue reading

Posted in academic writing, theory, theory chapter, thesis | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

theory makes us feel stupid

This is the final post in my series on working with theory. It seemed appropriate to use something theoretical to round off: theory fright part one theory fright part two what’s a framework – conceptual or theoretical becoming friends with … Continue reading

Posted in academic writing, Giorgio Agamben, stupidity, theory | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

becoming friends with theory

I’m currently reading some theory that I’ve not read before. It’s in a field associated with mine, but the two areas are rarely brought together. I’m reading because I am wondering whether there is something in this new theoretical resource … Continue reading

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theory fright – part two

Theory is explanation. Last post I suggested that this understanding might help to reduce fear of theory. This week, another piece in the fright reduction puzzle. Something else that might help reduce fear of theory is the understanding that not every … Continue reading

Posted in academic writing, aims, explanation, research decisions, research question, theory | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

theory fright – part one

Lots of doctoral researchers worry about the Th word, Theory. When said aloud, you can often hear the capital T. It must be important. Theory. And perhaps because of the capital T, the question “What’s your theoretical framework?” can reduce … Continue reading

Posted in academic writing, concept, explanation, theory, theory chapter | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

how to read an academic book closely – part three – sucking the stone

There are some books that are important to your study and some that are critical to your ongoing research agenda, and some that you just love. There are also some writers whose work you want to know in great detail. … Continue reading

Posted in academic book, argument, authority in writing, Pat Thomson, reading, reference, terms, theory | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments