Theorizing and practice

This chapter addresses the Theory/Practice dimension of sweet spot research. It asks the fundamental question - As I frame and source my research questions, are they of concern to theory or practice or both? What is the problem I am trying to address and where did it come from? What is the nature of the problem? What is known about this problem? The central process is theorizing and the output of theorizing is an integrated research question that responds to theoretical gaps and practice opportunities in equal measure. Theorizing leverages traditional research activities, such as literature reviews, but adds the idea that good research also includes being aware of the practice world and its challenges. Several practical approaches to theorizing are discussed.