It is important to understand the relationship of theory to research: theory informs research by providing a framework for how the variables and concepts relate to each other. In family research, theory explains family dynamics, and research studies examine those dynamics. Each of the four articles linked in Resources uses theory in its research. In your discussion post, explain the use of theory in one of these articles.  Response Guidelines  Respond to at least one other learner. Make your responses to other learners substantive, referencing the assigned readings and other theoretical, empirical, or professional literature to support your views.  Resources Discussion Participation Scoring Guide. Ethnic and Gender Variations in the Associations Between Family Cohesion, Family Conflict, and Depression in Older Asian and Latino Adults. Differentiation and Healthy Family Functioning of Koreans in South Korea, South Koreans in the United States, and White Americans. Lesbian Mother Families and Gay father families in Italy: Family Functioning, Dyadic Satisfaction, and Child Well-Being. Transfamily Theory: How the Presence of Trans* Family Members Informs Gender Development in Families.