"Thus, in general, in the first instance, the direction of interest in empirical fact will be canalised by the logical structure of the theoretical system"

This quote by Talcott Parsons recommends that when studying empirical facts, the sensible structure of the theoretical system must be taken into account. This suggests that the theoretical system ought to be utilized as a guide to direct the focus of the empirical facts. In other words, the theoretical system must be utilized to determine which empirical facts are essential and should be studied. This is because the theoretical system provides a rational structure that can be used to interpret the empirical facts. By utilizing the theoretical system as a guide, the instructions of interest in empirical truths can be better canalised. This permits a more effective and reliable study of empirical truths.