September, 2009 JMM-022
Nothing So Practical (Research Watch)
Responding to those who dismiss theory as the antonym of practical, Kurt Lewin, an American psychologist, was reported to have said that ‘there is nothing so practical as a good theory.’ Not only do I agree, but I pity those who don’t understand the importance of theory in explaining practical, real-life problems. This review of recent literature provides wide-ranging evidence of the value of theory in practice.