Learning How to Be Theoretical: A Critical Analysis of Understanding and Applying Theoretical Perspectives in Academic Research

Abstract

This paper focuses its discussion on helping students and young scholars to understand the significance of applying theoretical perspectives in academic research. In the humanities and social science fields, the ability to demonstrate theoretical thinking is a necessary skill that all should acquire in producing quality works; however, it has often been lacking and confused when put into practice, particularly among many students and young emerging scholars. With the organization of relevant literature, this paper is aimed to construct a clear and straightforward “roadmap” to provide the first steps of learning to be theoretical. Hopefully, with the aid of this paper, students and young scholars can find it helpful in making sense of theories, their functions and applications, and the necessary steps to conduct proper academic research.