Using theory – To predict outcomes, describe, analyse or interpret? A framework for analysing the use of theories

Elisabet Sernbo, Veronica Svärd, Marie Matérne, Department of Social Work, University of Gothenburg, Department of Social Work, School of Social Sciences, Södertörn University, School of Behavioural, Social and Legal Sciences, Örebro University

Qualitative Social Work: Research and Practice

Published online on October 09, 2025

Abstract

Qualitative Social Work, Volume 25, Issue 2, Page 251-268, March 2026.
This article directs attention to theory in academic writing. The empirical material analysed consists of 52 Swedish doctoral dissertations on social work in healthcare, published between 2008 and 2019. The aim of the study is to describe and suggest a ...