Susan
University of Texas Permian Basin

I believe all of the metaphors are helpful. However, I, personally, picture theories like a mailroom sorter, with slots or cubby-holes for every theory. Themes and similiarities can be labeled by column and/or row headings. Once all the labels are in place, situations, scenarios and ideas can be sorted into the applicable theories. Some situations will fit into more than one theory, so copies can be placed in each one. Some will not fit anywhere, so there would need to be an "other" or "hold for more information" file. Theorists interested in developing new theories could look there first.