Theme 3 - Research and theory

I have chosen the article Digital access, political networks and the diffusion of democracy published in the journal Social Networks (impact factor 2.324), which is in a journal presenting articles focused on structure on social relations.
The articles main goal is to examine whether access to digital technologies are related to the emergence of democracy within a country and the diffusion of democracy across countries. This is done by using data made accessible by new kinds of digital media.  In the background section of the article main concepts such as democracy and digital technologies are defined on a theoretical basis.
Furthermore they present their data based on what they defined in the background section. Through analyzing this data they suggest that three key mechanisms linking information technology with democratic change.

Briefly explain to a first year university student what theory is, and what theory is not.
Theory is a way to explain, predict and understand the subject you have chosen to examine. Theory is not references and data, but these elements can be incorporated when building theory.

Describe the major theory or theories that are used in your selected paper. Which theory type (see Table 2 in Gregor) can the theory or theories be characterized as?
The major theory in the article I’ve chosen is that digital access and information technology can play a part in the spreading of democracy within a country but also between countries. 
The theory type used is the explanation type, though it is done with some precision it does not aim to predict this.

Which are the benefits and limitations of using the selected theory or theories?         
The most obvious benefit seems to be that you can give a really accurate explanation to the current situation. The limitation of this is that you can’t provide any deeper insight into how predict future developments.