What is theory? Theory and its use in empirical phd-projects

The article emerges from discussions in a multidisciplinary PhD-program with candidates from various disciplines and different research traditions, representing different conceptions of the use of theory in research. Facing the differences of traditions, the questions as to the what, the where and the why of the use of theory arise: What do we mean by 'theory'? Where may its presentation find room and how does theory impose itself on our research? How much should we elaborate on it - and why? The problematics, in sum, may be formulated as the question of how theory is conceived of and what may be its place in