I need a response with references and citations, please

A theory is a model, or set of hypotheses or assumptions, about certainty - a kind of mental map (Frankfort-Nachmias & Guerrero, 2018). It is an internal depiction of the world. Theories can be explanatory; they are our efforts to make sense of our understandings and can be prophetic. We use them to assist us in hypothesizing the outcomes of our actions in making objective decisions. We denote intuitive hypotheses as "if/then" relationships - "if I do x, y should be the result," and these "if/then" associations establish principles that guide practice. As such, according to Frankfort-Nachmias & Guerrero (2018)," Not all hypotheses are derived directly from theories. We can generate hypotheses in many ways- from theories, directly from observations, or from intuition" (p 29). Hence, assumptions are generally with reference to a relationship encompassed by an independent and dependent variable. Therefore, when assembling data, the researcher decides on a research question, the hypothesis, and the variables contained within the study. Next, the academic researcher proceeds to the next stage of the research cycle, which entails measuring variables utilizing various collection techniques to further the analysis. The measurement levels involve mathematical operations that might include addition or multiplication, then moving on to the nominal level of measurement. The researcher will assign types, labeling, groupings, and symbols that are exhaustive and mutually exclusive(Frankfort-Nachmias & Guerrero, 2018). Theories can inform practice by providing direction for action and rationale for decision-making.

Similarly, practice can inform the approach. If one is observant, the results of one's actions can provide feedback that allows one to adapt one's models to reflect lived experience. So, there is a cooperative association between theory and practice, as one continually tests one's hypotheses and supposes new connotations from experience. In this way, the expert is also a researcher.

Reference

Frankfort-Nachmias, C., & Leon-Guerrero, A. (2018). Social statistics for a diverse society (8th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.