What does "theory-driven research" involve?

Theory-driven research involves starting with existing theories and frameworks to formulate hypotheses that can be tested empirically. This approach allows researchers to build upon established knowledge, guiding their investigation and analysis. It encourages the integration of previous findings and theoretical constructs, which can enhance the relevance and applicability of the research. By aligning the study with existing theories, researchers can explore, validate, or challenge those theories through their findings, ultimately contributing to the broader scientific discourse.

This distinguishes theory-driven research from purely qualitative methods, experimental design, or a strictly quantitative approach, which may not inherently involve the application of existing theories to guide research questions or hypotheses. The essence of theory-driven research is its reliance on a theoretical foundation to direct the research process rather than focusing exclusively on methodology or data collection techniques.