This paper aims to discuss the role of translation theory in empirically oriented translation research, illustrating this role by concrete examples from recent studies in translation. The paper gives an overview of Gideon Toury’s theoretical suggestions and their applicability to empirical studies in translation. The methodological solutions of these studies are pointed out. The author aims to draw a distinction between theory and methodology in translation research and hopes to show what can and what cannot be realistically expected from a general theory of translation.