Theories are out growths of abstract thought which propose logical relationships between what we consider to be the characteristics or attributes of a given phenomenon and the actual observed phenomenon itself; that is, they are generalizations about given phenomena. It should be pointed out that while these theories are abstractions of our real world, they are not reality itself However, 'abstraction is the price paid for generalization' (Hom.ans 1950).
The formulation of a theory requires that the theorist have the ability to observe discriminately, think logically, conceptualize creatively, and communicate succitictly. There are more observations about any given phenomenon than can be summed up in any one theory; therefore, it must leave many observations out of account. According to Homans (1950), a sociological theorist, 'Theory begins by breaking up concrete reality and ends by leaving out most of it.' Determining the facts derived from the observations and analysing them demands an intellectual process of systematic thinking (King 1971, Schlotfeldt 1971). The meanings of these facts are then used in formalizing a theory. The actual formation of a theory,however, depends on the theorist's capacity to conceptualize creatively, often about phenomena that are anomalous. The theoritician must be able to 'envision new ways of perceiving phenomena and to propose meaningful explanations for these perceptions' (Rogers 1970). If such theories are to give us either an under- standing of existing scientific knowledge or new knowledge, it is absolutely essential that they are communicated clearly and concisely.