The Definition of Theory

a)

1.   According to the wordnet website, Theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world or an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena. For instance "theories can incorporate facts and laws and tested hypotheses" or "true in fact and theory"
In regards to hypothesis and possibility, theory is a tentative insight into the natural world meaning it explains the world as we see it and the happenings around us. It is also a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena. For example "a scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory" or "he proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices".
Theory is a belief that can guide behavior for instance in the borders of the classroom we discussed what your theory is another example would be "the architect has a theory that more is less" or "they killed him on the theory that dead men tell no tales" .

2.   Theory in modern English is a concept which originally derives from classical Greek philosophy, for example that of Plato, and is derived from ancient Greek theoria, which original meant "a looking at, viewing, beholding", but in philosophy specifically came to refer to contemplation or speculation, as opposed to action.

3.   Theory is also a logical, systematic set of principles or explanation that has undergone testing or validation from careful observations. In class we discussed that theory can be based on assumptions or reasoning. It has stood the test of time in other words it has stood up against attempts to prove it false. A scientific theory can be used to make a variety of predictions of what will happen under different circumstances.


b) The difference between theory and practice
A theory is an idea and hypothesis which explains some things.
Practice is an exercise and application of any task or theory or in other words translation of an idea into action. In theory the difference between practice and theory is due to practical considerations that theorists find it impractical to fit into their theories.
In practice, theory uses the practice of theorizing about practical matters, while not noticing that the theoretical method practically distorts the theory beyond application to practice.
Theoretically then the practical facts are that the theory is in practice good for predicting what happens in theory, but impractical as a theory with direct implications for practice, except where theory states that the practice is sufficiently close to the theory to make any difference for all practical purposes theoretically zero. Theory is where you know everything but nothing works.
Practice is where everything works but nobody knows why.

c) 1. The Grand theory

Grand theory is any theory which attempts an overall explanation of social life, history, or human experience. It is normally contrasted with empiricism, positivism, or the view that understanding is only possible by studying particular instances, societies, or phenomena. Example the Marxism theory that explains that anyone in power has the ability to do anything they want without being controlled.

2. Middle range theory
Middle-range theory (Archaeology) - describes how people use objects and structures and the human behaviors associated with this use; it is based on the more known things.
Middle range theory (sociology) - as discussed by Robert K. Merton is a theory with limited scope, that explains a specific set of phenomena, as opposed to a grand theory like that proposed by Talcott Parsons that seeks to explain phenomena at a societal level

3. Narrow theory
We could not manage to get information on the internet about this theory, so from our understanding, a narrow theory is a theory that is used and accepted by a small group of people and its explanation is quite narrow, this theory also explains personal views and experiences.




References
Definition 1 wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
Definition 2 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory
Definition3 www.astronomynotes.com/glossary/glosst.htm
wiki.answers.com
http://paws.kettering.edu
wiki.answers.com
Quentin Skinner, ed., The Return of Grand Theory in the Human Sciences (Cambridge, 1985)
www.wikipedia.com