Ngonidzashe - Using multiple theories in social science for carrying a research is usually not a problem and this approach is mostly acceptable. However, the problem lies in its applicability to your research. The theoretical approach that you are using must have relevance to your research. In fact, theory provides the overall guidance and consists of a limited number of problem-solving strategies that can be applied to a wide range of scientific circumstances. A theory is never a construct, variable or hypothesis even. A theory is developed from an observed phenomena and stands the test of time and different situation within the context of social science. Development of a theory often requires a grounded approach in social science.

Does your type of research require using three theories, Sir? I haven't tried this before but i think it's really gonna be quite challenging when it comes to applicability as Dr Manzoor Hussain noted in his comment. Well, give it a try and we will learn from your experience. I wouldn't hesitate to use three theories if the challenge happens to be a minor one.

I think, whenever you do a research, it doens't matter how many theories you use as long as the concept you conclude from those theories is coherent. Most problem I saw people make is using two or more different theories with opposite point of views without sufficient explanation on why it should be done that way. E.g one uses positivism view and the other is negativism.

Good luck on your research!!

I concur with your view Bonita Lee

Thank you very much Dr Hussain,Bonita and Silas for your insights. The 3 theories im using i believe they closely complement each other. Im still studying them, i will share with you my challenges.

should be no problem. The 3 theories might support each other, but you even could understand it as a control mechanism, especially as different theories also often result in different methods.

Thank you Eberhard Weber for your insight.

Thank you very much for your insight. I would love to read that Chapter. How do i access it?

Hi Heather

I got it! Thank you very much.

What matter is whether or not there is coherence between the different theories.

Hi Natal

Thank you very much for your contribution.

I think the more theories you use in a researcher the more robust your work is as long as they are relevant to what you explaining

Hi Aware

Thank you very much for your contribution.

Each theory offers a perspective and has its blindspots. Different theories relevant to your research problem can complement each other and avoid too-narrow a view that can be easily debunked. I would be interested in the problems of having too many theories and how other scholars might view the mixing of different methodologies/paradigms.

Hi Jane

Great! Thank you for your insight.

I think a single theory is not sufficient to explain the whole phenomena. Each theory explains different aspects of phenomenon, or it looks at this phenomenon from different perspectives.

two or more theories complement each other and make the work more robust. the problem is how to make them complement each other