Gregor’s taxonomy of theory types
| Theory type | Distinguishing attributes |
|---|---|
| Analysis (AA) | Says what is. The theory does not extend beyond analysis and description. No causal relationships are specified among phenomena and no predictions are made |
| Explanation (EE) | Says what is, how, why, when and where. The theory provides explanations but does not aim to predict precisely. It involves no testable propositions |
| Prediction (PP) | Says what is and what will be. The theory provides predictions and has testable propositions but does not have well-developed justificatory causal explanations |
| Explanation & prediction (EP) | Says what is, how, why, when, where and what will be. Provides predictions and includes testable propositions and causal explanations |
| Design & action (DA) | Says how to do something. The theory gives explicit prescriptions (e.g. methods, techniques, principles of form and function) for constructing an artefact |
| Theory type | Distinguishing attributes |
|---|---|
| Analysis ( | Says what is. The theory does not extend beyond analysis and description. No causal relationships are specified among phenomena and no predictions are made |
| Explanation ( | Says what is, how, why, when and where. The theory provides explanations but does not aim to predict precisely. It involves no testable propositions |
| Prediction ( | Says what is and what will be. The theory provides predictions and has testable propositions but does not have well-developed justificatory causal explanations |
| Explanation & prediction ( | Says what is, how, why, when, where and what will be. Provides predictions and includes testable propositions and causal explanations |
| Design & action ( | Says how to do something. The theory gives explicit prescriptions (e.g. methods, techniques, principles of form and function) for constructing an artefact |
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