Theory‐Building Case Studies for Counselling Psychology

Abstract

Theory-building research seeks to test, correct, elaborate, and extend a particular theory by comparing and reconciling it with observations, working towards a unified best account within the domain of the theory. Theory-building is a creative process, but theory-building research almost never involves inventing a new theory. Instead, it builds on the theory, expertise, and lore that have accumulated within a field of study. Theory-building research thus provides quality control on theories by making observations of the world and adjusting the theory as needed. Theories in counselling psychology are meant to encompass more than is encountered in any single case. Both hypothesis testing and case study research can be used to build theories and both can provide scientific quality control on theory. In contrast to hypothesis testing, however, case studies address many theoretical issues in the same study rather than focusing on only one or a few.

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