The phrase "a tentative theory of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a theory that is not yet fully established or is subject to change based on new evidence or insights.
Example: "The researchers proposed a tentative theory of climate change that requires further investigation and validation."
Alternatives: "a preliminary theory of" or "an initial theory of".
A systematic analysis of the sequence of treatment options sought provides insights into patients' patterns of resort and suggests a tentative theory for how laypeople make medical choices.
As a result, it has to be demonstrated that the research strategy is in sync with an investigation of a new phenomenon, building a tentative theory.
Compared to theory-building (new concepts/constructs and relationships out of data) and theory development (new elements and relationships within a tentative theory), testing theory challenges extended theory by empirical investigations into failures and anomalies that the current theory cannot explain.
Nevertheless, we wish to propose a tentative theory that does account for the current data, and simultaneously offers a new explanation of dmPFC function.
We propose a tentative theory linking economic and innovation dynamics with the ways capital cities try to develop and position themselves through the formulation of locational policies.
There is a tentative theory and the research strategy is theory driven.
Based on a priory constructs, systematic comparisons reveal patterns and relationships resulting in a tentative theory.
Creativity and inspiration are necessary conditions to put observations into concepts and outline a tentative theory.
On the contrary, in "gaps and holes", a tentative theory exists.
While in theory building the research strategy is based on the eliciting of concepts (constructs) and relationships out of data, in theory development, it has to be demonstrated that the research strategy aims to identify new elements and relationships within a tentative theory, identifying mechanisms which explain the phenomenon more precisely.
