Among the generalized definitions of a theoretical framework, we can extract that it means an explanation of how things work. The source, size, and power of these explanations vary. But they all relate to an attempt to understand some phenomena. Academics have
Among the generalized definitions of a theoretical framework, we can extract that it means an explanation of how things work. The source, size, and power of these explanations vary. But they all relate to an attempt to understand some phenomena. Academics have varied perspectives on the use of the theoretical framework in qualitative research.
Currently, the use of theory in qualitative approaches has included:
- Clarification of epistemological provisions.
- Identification of the logic behind methodological choices.
- Construction of the theory as a result of the research findings.
- A guide or framework for study.
In addition, methodological provisions on reflexive symbiosis with theory and other parts of a study are included to lay the groundwork for focusing on the theoretical framework.
Theory, Theoretical Framework and other concepts
Theory, theoretical frameworks, method theory, and conceptual frameworks are terms that have blurred lines within the literature on qualitative methods and that suffer or benefit from wide differences in nuance.
In general, a theory is a great idea that organizes many other ideas with a high degree of explanatory power.
Method theory (or methodology theory) provides guidance to make sense of methods that will actually help answer research questions.
The conceptual framework is loosely defined and works best as a map of how all the literature works in a particular study.
A theoretical framework is the use of a theory (or theories) in a study that simultaneously transmits the deepest values of the researcher or researchers. It also provides a clearly articulated signal or lens on how the study will process new knowledge. The theoretical framework lies at the intersection of existing knowledge and previously formed ideas about complex phenomena, the epistemological dispositions of the researcher, and a lens and an analytical methodical approach.
Working with these three components makes theory a valuable tool for the coherence and depth of a study. Although there may be cases where the exploratory nature of a study nulluity the benefits of a theoretical framework, research without theory does not exist (Lincoln and Guba, 1994).
A researcher who cannot articulate a theoretical framework may not have done the difficult and essential work of unearthing its deepest operating principles and preconceptions about its study. The belief that preconceived notions do not exist or have an impact on a study is, in fact, a theoretical arrangement.
Importance of the Theoretical Framework
The importance of using a theoretical framework in a thesis study cannot be overempemply emphasized. The theoretical framework is the basis from which all knowledge (metaphorically and literally) of a research study is constructed. It serves as a structure and support for the justification of the study, the approach to the problem, the purpose, the importance and the research questions. The theoretical framework provides a basis, or an anchor, for literature review and, above all, for methods and analysis.
Understanding the purpose of a theoretical framework
When presenting a research problem, an important step is to provide the context and background of that specific problem. This allows the reader to understand both the scope and purpose of their research, while giving a direction to their writing. Just as the plan of a house should provide the necessary context to all builders and professionals involved in the construction process, so too should the theoretical framework of his thesis.
What details we must considered
Therefore, when constructing the theoretical framework, there are several details that must be considered and explained, including:
- The definition of the concepts or theories you are building or exploring on (this is especially important if it is a theory taken from another discipline or is relatively new).
- The context in which this concept has been explored in the past.
- Important literature that has already been published on the concept or theory, including citations.
- The context in which you plan to explore the concept or theory. You can briefly mention the methods you intend to use, along with the methods that have been used in the past, but keep in mind that there will be a separate section of your thesis to present them in detail.
- The gaps he hopes to fill in the research.
- The limitations that previous researchers have encountered and those that you have encountered in your own exploration of the topic.
Basically, the theoretical framework helps to give the reader a general understanding of the research problem, how it has already been explored and where their research is situated in the scope of it. In this regard, be sure to write it in the present tense, as this is research that is currently being done. When you reference others’ previous research, you can do so in the past tense, but everything related to your own research should be written in the present.
Use your theoretical framework to justify your research
In your literature review, you will focus on finding research that has been done that is relevant to your own study. It may be literature that establishes theories related to your research or provides relevant analytical models. Next, you’ll mention these theories or models in your own theoretical framework and justify why they are the basis of your research or are relevant to it.
Basically, think of your theoretical framework as a quick and powerful way to justify to your reader why this research is important. If you’re expanding on previous research by other scholars, your theoretical framework should mention the foundations they’ve laid and why it’s important to build on them, or how to apply them to a more modern concept. If there are gaps in research on certain topics or theories and your research covers them, mention it also in your theoretical framework. It is your opportunity to justify the work you have done in a scientific context, both before your thesis committee and before any publication interested in publishing your work.
Theory and production of knowledge
In all disciplines there are debates about the creation and use of theory and about the degree to which to start from data (induction). A hypothesis (deduction) is more useful for the production 