Method, theory and their relationship: The evolution of the concept of method and theory based on two quantitative and qualitative perspectives

The present paper aims to study the concept of method and theory in empirical research. Considering the context of research methodology, the paper identifies different meanings and approaches to these two concepts from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives. First, the properties and dimensions of quantitative and qualitative methodologies in empirical research design are described. Then, the research process in each of these two approaches is considered after a comparative analysis between the two by considering the similarity and difference aspects. Accordingly, the nature of the theory as an integral part of the method in empirical research is analyzed based on these two perspectives, along with their integration. Finally, by using the concept of “typology of theories” and the concept of “hermeneutic cycle”, the present study tries to represent the relationship between method and theory in empirical research and explains the role of “theoretical framework” in these kinds of research designs