Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks

Summary

This week's lecture focuses on theoretical and conceptual frameworks in research methodology. The script explains the nature of theories as sets of ideas explaining phenomena, their development into hypotheses, and their testing. It contrasts theories with scientific laws, highlighting their roles in prediction and explanation. The lecture also delves into the purpose of theoretical frameworks in structuring research data analysis and the broader role of conceptual frameworks in planning and interpreting research. The importance of both in advancing scientific understanding is emphasized.

Takeaways

• 🔬 **Theory Defined**: A theory is a set of linked ideas intended to explain something, providing a framework for observations, which are based on assumptions that can lead to testable hypotheses.
• 📚 **Theory vs. Law**: Theories explain 'why' things happen, while scientific laws predict 'what' will happen under certain conditions.
• 🌌 **Kepler's Example**: Johannes Kepler's laws of planetary motion are still used, but his theory of cosmic harmonies was replaced by the concept of gravity.
• 🔍 **Evolution of Theories**: Scientific theories are continually revised or replaced as new evidence emerges, showing the dynamic nature of scientific understanding.
• 🧪 **Value of Theories**: Even incorrect theories contribute to scientific progress by paving the way for better theories and new discoveries.
• 🏛️ **Theoretical Framework**: Composed of established theories, it provides a structure for framing data analysis and interpretations in research.
• 🧠 **Conceptual Framework**: Represents the entire thinking structure, methodology, and implementation of a research study, serving as a meta-cognitive approach to planning and executing research.
• 📈 **Purpose of Frameworks**: Theoretical frameworks enhance credibility and validity in research, while conceptual frameworks provide a master plan for the research project.
• 📊 **Characteristics of Theory**: A good theory is logical, coherent, with clearly defined variables and relationships, and makes specific predictions that can be tested.
• 📐 **Characteristics of Frameworks**: They improve the reliability and validity of research findings, whether qualitative or quantitative, and aid in the confirmation and generalizability of these findings.

Q & A

What is the main focus of week seven's module on research methodology?

The main focus is on theoretical and conceptual frameworks, discussing what they are, their differences, and their purposes.

What is a theory according to the script?

A theory is a group of linked ideas intended to explain something, providing a framework for explaining observations based on assumptions, from which hypotheses can be developed and tested.

How is a scientific theory different from a scientific law?

A scientific law predicts the results of certain initial conditions, while a theory provides the most logical explanation for why things happen as they do.

Can a theory evolve into a law?

No, a theory will never grow up into a law. Theories and laws serve different purposes and are developed and revised independently.

What is the role of a theoretical framework in research?

A theoretical framework is composed of theories by experts in the field and is used to frame data analysis and interpretations of findings.

What is a conceptual framework?

A conceptual framework is a complete logical representation and association of all aspects of the underlying thinking structure, methodology, and implementation of a research study.

How does a conceptual framework differ from a theoretical framework?

A theoretical framework is a subset of the conceptual framework. The conceptual framework encompasses all concepts and ideas used in planning, executing, and making sense of the research findings.

What is the purpose of a theoretical framework?

It provides a structure for how research data will be interrogated, analyzed, and discussed more thoroughly with reference to theory.

What is the purpose of a conceptual framework?

It serves as the logic master plan for the entire research project, guiding the planning, monitoring, and evaluation of the research tasks.

What are the characteristics of a good theory?

A good theory is logical and coherent, has clearly defined variables, describes and explains phenomena, and makes specific predictions that can be tested and verified.

What benefits does a theoretical framework provide to research?

It increases the credibility of qualitative data and the internal validity of quantitative data, enhances transferability or generalizability, and improves confirmation or objectivity of findings.

What are the characteristics of a conceptual framework?

It involves a meta-cognitive approach to structuring by asking and interpreting questions about research, and it encompasses all the concepts and ideas used in the study.