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.

Outlines

00:00

🔬 Understanding Theories and Frameworks

This paragraph introduces the concept of a scientific theory as a set of ideas that explain phenomena, which can be tested through hypotheses. It distinguishes between theories and laws, explaining that laws predict outcomes while theories explain why things happen. The historical development of theories is highlighted, using Johannes Kepler's laws of planetary motion as an example. The paragraph emphasizes the dynamic nature of scientific theories, which are subject to revision or replacement as new evidence emerges. It also touches on the importance of theories in driving scientific discovery and the process of scientific advancement.

05:02

📚 The Role of Theoretical Frameworks in Research

The second paragraph delves into the application of theories in research methodology through theoretical frameworks. It describes how researchers use established theories to analyze and interpret their data. The paragraph also introduces the idea of a theoretical framework as a structure that supports a research theory, akin to using prior research to make sense of new data. The purpose of a theoretical framework is to provide an academic foundation for understanding data, and it is part of a larger conceptual framework that encompasses the entire research process.

10:03

🧠 Conceptual Frameworks: The Master Plan of Research

The final paragraph discusses the broader concept of a conceptual framework, which includes the theoretical framework but also encompasses the entire research process. It is described as a logical plan that guides the research project, from planning to evaluation. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of a conceptual framework in providing a comprehensive understanding of the research study, including how it will be conducted and the expected outcomes. It also mentions the characteristics of a good theory, such as being logical, coherent, and testable, and how these apply to both theoretical and conceptual frameworks.

Keywords

💡Theory

In the context of the video, 'theory' refers to a set of linked ideas intended to explain a phenomenon. It provides a framework for observations and can lead to the development of hypotheses that can be tested. The video explains that theories are based on assumptions and can be supported or challenged through testing, illustrating the dynamic nature of scientific understanding.

💡Theoretical Framework

A 'theoretical framework' is composed of theories by experts in a research field. It is used to frame data analysis and interpretations of findings. The video suggests that this framework acts as a lens through which prior research knowledge is applied to make sense of new data, enhancing the credibility and validity of research.

💡Conceptual Framework

The 'conceptual framework' is described as a complete logical representation of all aspects of a research study, including its structure, methodology, and implementation. It serves as a meta-cognitive approach to research, guiding the planning, monitoring, and evaluation of a study. The video emphasizes its role as a master plan that encompasses all elements of research, from understanding the study's objectives to presenting results.

💡Scientific Law

A 'scientific law' is mentioned as a principle that predicts the results of certain initial conditions. Unlike theories, laws are more resistant to change and are adopted based on their fit with existing knowledge. The video contrasts laws with theories by stating that laws predict what happens, while theories explain why.

💡Hypothesis

A 'hypothesis' is a proposed explanation or assumption made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. The video explains that hypotheses are developed from theories and can be tested to support or challenge those theories.

💡Assumptions

'Assumptions' are the foundational beliefs or premises upon which a theory is built. The video clarifies that theories are based on these assumptions, and they form the basis for developing hypotheses that can be empirically tested.

💡Data Analysis

In the video, 'data analysis' refers to the process of interrogating and examining research data to find patterns and draw conclusions. The theoretical framework is particularly geared towards structuring this process, ensuring that the analysis is systematic and relevant to the research question.

💡Interpretation

'Interpretation' of findings is the act of making sense of data within the context of a theoretical framework. The video suggests that a theoretical framework aids in interpreting data by providing a lens through which to view and understand the results of a study.

💡Coherence

'Coherence' is the characteristic of a theory being logical and consistent. The video emphasizes that for a theory to be effective, it must have clearly defined variables and relationships that are logically connected.

💡Predictions

'Predictions' are specific outcomes that a theory proposes will occur under certain conditions. The video notes that a good theory not only describes and explains phenomena but also makes testable predictions, which can then be verified through empirical research.

💡Generalizability

'Generalizability' refers to the extent to which the findings of a study can be applied to other contexts or populations. The video mentions that a theoretical framework can enhance the generalizability of quantitative analysis by providing a structured approach to understanding data.

Highlights

Theoretical and conceptual frameworks are discussed in week seven of the introduction to research methodology module.

A theory is a group of linked ideas intended to explain something, providing a framework for observations.

Theories are based on assumptions, from which hypotheses can be developed and tested.

The difference between a theory and a law is explained, with laws predicting results and theories explaining why things happen.

Johannes Kepler's laws of planetary motion are mentioned as an example of how theories can evolve into laws.

The process of scientific discovery involves proposing, challenging, revising, or replacing scientific ideas.

The value of even incorrect theories is acknowledged, as they can lead to new discoveries.

The importance of both scientific laws and theories for a complete understanding is emphasized.

A theoretical framework is composed of theories by experts in your research field.

The theoretical framework is used to frame data analysis and interpretations of findings.

The purpose of a theoretical framework is to create an academic foundation for understanding data.

A conceptual framework is a complete logical representation of all aspects of a research study.

The conceptual framework is considered the master plan for the entire research project.

The theoretical framework is a subset of the conceptual framework.

Characteristics of a theory include being logical, coherent, with clearly defined variables and relationships.

Characteristics of a theoretical framework include increasing credibility and validity of data.

Characteristics of a conceptual framework include using a meta-cognitive approach to structuring research.

Conceptual frameworks can be presented as a diagram to simplify complex sets of concepts.

The lecture series will cover theoretical frameworks in more detail with a lecture by Dr. Joyce Asher Indy.

The lecture series will also cover conceptual frameworks in more detail with a lecture by Dr. George Trendy.

Transcripts

hi everyone and welcome to week seven of

the introduction to research methodology

module and this week we'll be looking at

theoretical and conceptual frameworks so

in this very short video we'll be

recapping what is the theory we'll be

looking at what are theoretical and

conceptual frameworks we were looking at

what is the difference between them and

what is their purpose right so what is

the theory it is a group of linked ideas

that's intended to explain something it

can then provide a framework for

explaining these observations these

explanations are then based on

assumptions and then from these

assumptions the number of possible

hypotheses can be developed and is about

the series can then be tested and they

can either support or challenge a theory

so let us now look at the next short

video going into a bit more detail on

what is the theory

[Music]

chat with a friend about an established

scientific theory and she might reply

well that's just a theory but a

conversation about an established

scientific law rarely ends with well

that's just a law why is that what is

the difference between a theory and a

law and is one better scientific laws

and theories have different jobs to do a

scientific law predicts the results of

certain initial conditions it might

predict your unborn child's possible

hair colors or how far of baseball

travels when launched at a certain angle

in contrast a theory tries to provide

the most logical explanation about why

things happen as they do a theory might

invoke dominant and recessive genes to

explain how brown haired parents ended

up with a redheaded child or use gravity

to shed light on the parabolic

trajectory of a baseball in simplest

terms a law predicts what happens while

a theory proposes why a theory will

never grow up into a law though the

development of one often triggers

progress on the other in the 17th

century Johannes Kepler theorized cosmic

musical harmonies to explain the nature

of planetary orbits he developed three

brilliant laws of planetary motion while

he was studying decades of precise

astronomical data in an effort to find

support for his theory while his three

laws are still in use today

gravity replaced his theory of harmonics

to explain the planets motions how did

Kepler get part of it wrong well we

weren't handed a universal instruction

manual instead we continually proposed

challenged revise or even replace our

scientific ideas as a work in progress

laws usually resist change since they

wouldn't have been adopted if they

didn't fit the day

though we occasionally revise laws in

the face of new unexpected information a

theories acceptance however is often

gladiatorial multiple theories may

compete to supply the best explanation

of a new scientific discovery upon

further research scientists tend to

favor the theory that can explain most

of the data though there may still be

gaps in our understanding scientists

also like when a new theory successfully

predicts previously unobserved phenomena

like when Dmitri Mendeleev theory about

the periodic table predicted several

undiscovered elements the term

scientific theory covers a broad swath

some theories are new ideas with little

experimental evidence that scientists I

with suspicion or even ridicule other

theories like those involving the Big

Bang evolution and climate change have

endured years of experimental

confirmation before earning acceptance

by the majority of the scientific

community you would need to learn more

about a specific explanation before you

know how well scientists perceive it the

word theory alone doesn't tell you

in full disclosure the scientific

community has bet on the wrong horse

before alchemy the geocentric model

spontaneous generation and the

interstellar ether are just a few of

many theories discarded in favor of

better ones but even incorrect theories

had their value discredited alchemy was

the birthplace of modern chemistry and

medicine made great strides long before

we understood the roles of bacteria and

viruses that said better theories often

lead to exciting new discoveries that

were unimaginable under the old way of

thinking nor should we assume all of our

current scientific theories will stand

the test of time a single unexpected

result is enough to challenge the status

quo

however vulnerability to some

potentially better explanation doesn't

weaken a current scientific theory

instead it shields science from becoming

unchallenged Dogma a good scientific law

is a finely tuned machine accomplishing

its tasks brilliantly but ignorant of

why it works as well as it does a good

scientific theory is a bruised but

unbowed fighter who risks defeat if

unable to overpower or adapt to the next

Challenger though different science

needs both laws and theories to

understand the whole picture so next

time someone comments that it's just a

theory

challenge them to go 9 rounds with the

champ and see if they can do any better

so very briefly what is a threat skull

framework is composed of theories by

experts in your research field you will

then draw on these theories in which you

frame your data analysis and

interpretations of your findings and one

way of looking at it is there is a data

mining lens actually use take into

account prior research knowledge in your

field to make sense of your own data and

interpreting your findings so

essentially the physical framework is a

structure that can hold or support a

theory of your research right so you may

ask why what is the purpose of a three

to go framework well it creates an

academic foundation on which you can

make sense of your data so a theoretical

framework is geared to provide a

structure for how you will interrogate

the research data how you will analyze

the data and find patterns within the

data and how you will assist in

discussing the data more thoroughly with

reference in theory we will have a

lecture by dr. Joyce Asher Indy from the

school of systems and public health that

will give you a bit more detail on

theoretical frameworks in the next

series of lectures

[Music]

you

[Music]

all right so now that we've seen what or

rather what is a concept what is a

conceptual framework well it is a

complete logical representation and

Association of all the aspects of the

underlying thinking structure

methodology and implementation of your

entire research study so the conceptual

framework can be considered as the

conceptualization of your research study

and conceptualization in this context

means that the conceptual framework is a

meta cognitive approach to your research

and what we mean by that it means that

throughout the planning you gain

knowledge of yourself of the tasks as

well as the strategies meaning it gives

you a framework where you plan will you

monitor and we evaluate the task and all

of these adds to a framework where you

understand what your study is about how

you'll be doing your study how you will

be analyzing the results and how you

would present these results you're going

to read a little bit more about this of

this approach there's an article by

Talbott which you can read and I've

included the reference in the reference

list if you'd like to know more about

that so what is the purpose of a

conceptual framework well it is the

logic master plan for your entire

research project the theoretical

framework is only a subset of the

conceptual framework so the conceptual

framework is the product of your your

personal thinking on your research study

and since most of the considered part of

the conceptual framework have sections

of their own which needs to be addressed

in the research process there is no need

in taking the risk of trying to unravel

all these complex sets of concepts you

might present one diagram and say this

is my conceptual framework for my entire

study and you might not go into all the

detail especially if it is something

complex so in summary we had a look at

what are the characteristics of the

theory it

be logical and coherent the variable

should be clearly defined relationships

between variables must be clearly

described and theory describes explains

and make specific predictions the pose

of claims being made which should be

able to be tested and verified we had a

look at the characteristics of a

theoretical framework they increased

credibility of qualitative data and the

internal validity of the quantitative

data it enhances transferability of the

findings from qualitative data or

generalizability of quantitative

analysis it increases the confirmation

of findings in qualitative data or the

objectivity of quantitative it also

improves the dependability of

qualitative data or the reliability of

the findings in quantitative data we

were going to theoretical frameworks a

little bit more in a lecture by dr.

George trendy we had briefly looked at

the characteristics of conceptual

frameworks we talked about using the

meta cognitive approach to structuring

by asking and interpreting questions and

all issues about research and they can

be considered as an overarching term

encompassing all the concepts and ideas

so these are the concepts and ideas you

will use as you plan execute and make

sense of the findings of your study we

will have a look at conceptual

frameworks also late in this week and

I'll be explaining this to you in a bit

more detail here are a few references

that you can have a look at you would

like more information thank you very

much for your time and I look forward to

the next lecture