How to support Research with Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses how theoretical or conceptual frameworks support research studies, emphasizing their role in shaping the research question, guiding the study design, and organizing findings. The video explains how frameworks can be selected before or after data collection, depending on the research approach. Through examples like the use of Force Field Analysis and the Ecological Model, the speaker highlights the importance of aligning theory with the research question. The video also explores the flexibility of frameworks in qualitative studies and their use in literature reviews, data analysis, and discussions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Theoretical or conceptual frameworks are crucial for supporting research studies and guiding their development.
• 😀 The research question should drive all decisions in a study, including the use of frameworks.
• 😀 In some cases, you may select the theory before data collection, but sometimes it makes sense to choose a framework after gathering data.
• 😀 A theoretical framework can help organize the results section and connect findings with existing theories.
• 😀 When your research is focused on testing, expanding, or refining an existing theory, the theory must be clearly defined before starting the study.
• 😀 Even if you don't start with a theory, frameworks can still support your research question and help organize findings.
• 😀 It's important for the theory to be directly relevant to why the study is being conducted, and it should align with the research question.
• 😀 Using frameworks like Force Field Analysis can justify the research focus, as seen in Killam and Heerschap (2012) study on student challenges.
• 😀 Sometimes frameworks are added after a study is completed, as required by journals, but they can still be effective when integrated well.
• 😀 When designing research to generate new theory, the literature review should focus on the concepts being examined, with findings helping to build the new theory.
• 😀 Qualitative studies benefit from using frameworks to explain group culture or the researcher's worldview, improving study quality and transferability.

Q & A

What is the purpose of using a theoretical or conceptual framework in a research study?

Theoretical or conceptual frameworks help to guide the research study, organize the findings, and support the development of research questions. They provide a structured lens to examine and interpret the data collected during the study.

How do you determine when to choose a theoretical framework in a study?

The choice of a theoretical framework often depends on the research question and design. In some cases, the framework is selected before the study begins, particularly when the research is focused on testing, confirming, or refining a theory. In other instances, the framework might be chosen after data collection to help explain the findings.

Can more than one theoretical framework be used in a research study?

Yes, more than one theoretical framework can be used, depending on the complexity of the research and the questions being investigated. Different frameworks may provide additional insights and support for various aspects of the study.

What role does the research question play in selecting a theoretical framework?

The research question should drive the selection of the theoretical framework. It should align with the purpose of the study and guide the development of the methodology. In some cases, the research question may even arise from the theoretical framework itself.

How does a theoretical framework influence the results and discussion sections of a research paper?

In the results section, the findings are often organized according to the structure of the chosen theoretical framework, making it easier to present the data. In the discussion section, the researcher compares the results with the theoretical framework and existing literature to examine whether the findings support or refute the theory.

Can a theoretical framework be added after the study is completed?

Yes, in some cases, a theoretical framework can be added after the study is completed, especially if the journal or institution requires it. This may happen when the research methodology allows flexibility, as seen in the example of Killam and Heerschap (2012), where the theory was added after data collection.

What is the Ecological Model, and how was it used in one of the studies mentioned?

The Ecological Model is a framework that examines how various factors (e.g., social, environmental, and individual) interact to influence behavior. In the study by Killam and Carter (2010), the Ecological Model was used to organize findings about the challenges faced by student nurses in rural clinical placements. The model was applied after the literature review and data analysis were completed.

How can theoretical or conceptual frameworks be used in qualitative studies?

In qualitative studies, a theoretical or conceptual framework can be used to help organize and explain the findings, particularly when the researcher is exploring a topic broadly. Frameworks may not always be chosen upfront but can be applied during data analysis to help interpret the results.

What is the importance of linking a theoretical framework to the research question?

Linking a theoretical framework to the research question ensures that the framework is relevant to the study and helps justify why the research is being conducted. This alignment supports the overall coherence of the study and the quality of the final paper.

Why might a researcher choose not to use a theoretical framework in some studies?

A researcher might choose not to use a theoretical framework if the study is aimed at exploring a new theory or concept, rather than testing an existing one. In such cases, the researcher would focus on explaining the concepts in the literature review and build a new theoretical framework based on the findings.