Book excerpt: Theoretical Frameworks in College Student Research was written to offer those who engage in college student research a framework, tool, or guide for understanding the role that theory plays in research. Each of the seven chapters in the volume are organized around five major questions which address the essence of theory, central tenants and concepts of prevailing theories, examples of how the author and others have used the theory in previous research, as well as insights for future research. An impressive set of references points to the expansive literature that informs this new volume.