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In this chapter, the author explores the meaning of theory and the role it plays in the development of interprofessional education. The chapter explores specifically the utility of the theory of social capital in the field and uses this as a case theory to present the dimensions of theoretical quality that is proposed as essential to the advancement of research, evaluation and curriculum development in this arena.

Theories are a set of propositions that link concepts together though a rational argument. These statements predict, describe, explain, prescribe or organise a particular phenomenon (Walker and Avant, 2005; Fawcett, 2005; Jary D & Jary, 1995).  The phenomenon in question in this chapter is interprofessional education and practice (IPECP).  Researchers, interprofessional health care practitioners and educators deductively test or inductively develop a series of propositions that relate to IPECP. In this chapter we focus on the interprofessional education (IPE) dimension primarily.

In Collaboration: Theory and Practice. Willumsen, E. Ødegard, A. and Sirnes, T. (Eds). (in press)