research and theory

Research is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information to answer questions or solve problems. It involves careful methods to find reliable evidence. Theory is a well-supported explanation or set of ideas that helps us understand how things work or why they happen. Think of research as gathering clues and building knowledge, while a theory is like a guiding map that summarizes those findings into a coherent understanding. Both are essential for advancing knowledge across fields like science, psychology, and social studies.