Thoughts on Theory -Reflections from Senior and Junior Researchers-

What is a theory, and what is its role in our research? Although we use them every day as researchers or as individuals, many of us consider applying theories challenging and view creating a new theory as even more daunting. In this manuscript, we discuss the definition of the term "theory," why theories are important, how to develop a new theory, and ways of evaluating a theory's usefulness. The authors, a seasoned researcher and a novice researcher, share their unique experiences and perspectives on theories, offering insights into their personal journeys of theory development and evaluation, along with valuable takeaways learned throughout the process. We hope that this manuscript offers unique insights into how we apply, build, and critique theories in both academic and practical contexts. By sharing our experiences, we aim to provide guidance for readers, helping them embark on their own journeys to develop new theories and assess the theories of others effectively.