Theoretical Rationale

Summary

This week's module delves into the critical role of theory in research, starting with defining a theoretical rationale. The video explains how theories shape our observations and understanding, guiding research and organizing ideas. It outlines the process of writing a theoretical rationale, emphasizing the importance of clarity and continuity in defining concepts and choosing between inductive or deductive reasoning. The placement of theory in both quantitative and qualitative research is discussed, highlighting its central role regardless of the research approach. The video concludes with advice on integrating theory into research design and references for further reading.

Takeaways

• 🔍 **Definition of Theoretical Rationale**: A theoretical rationale is a framework that helps researchers observe, understand, and explain phenomena by linking perceptions and provable facts.
• 📚 **Importance of Theory**: Theory shapes what we see and how we see it, providing a generalized explanatory principle that connects different types of phenomena.
• 🧠 **Theory and Research**: A theory is a system of interconnected ideas that organizes knowledge about a topic and aims to explain and predict relationships between variables.
• 🔬 **Theory Development**: Researchers develop theories to guide their research, which strengthens as more support is found through research findings.
• 📈 **Theory and Research Design**: Theoretical rationales are essential in determining if an independent variable influences a dependent variable, often based on previous research or personal experiences.
• 📝 **Writing a Theoretical Rationale**: It starts with the independent variable, is based on a theory, and includes hypotheses about how variables are related, supported by literature.
• 📊 **Placement of Theory in Research**: In quantitative research, theory is often placed in the introduction, literature review, or as a separate section, while in qualitative research, it can be upfront, at the end, or used as an advocacy lens.
• 🔄 **Combining Quantitative and Qualitative**: Depending on the mix of methods, theory can be used in a deductive or inductive manner, or both, to guide the research process.
• 🔗 **Theory and Hypotheses**: Theoretical rationales are used to formulate hypotheses, which are then tested through research, leading to more specific questions or general conclusions.
• 📘 **Continuity and Clarity**: When formulating a theoretical rationale, it's crucial to maintain clarity and continuity in concepts and definitions to ensure a coherent understanding of the phenomena.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a theoretical rationale in research?

The primary purpose of a theoretical rationale in research is to determine if the independent variable influences the dependent variable. It provides a logical statement for relating the variables of a study and serves as a basis for the researcher's hypothesis.

How does theory shape what a researcher can see and how they see it?

Theory shapes what a researcher can see and how they see it by providing a model or framework that organizes and condenses knowledge about the topic. It allows the researcher to make connections between what is perceived and what can be proven, thus guiding the research and adding organization to the ideas.

What is the relationship between theory and research findings?

Theory is strengthened by research findings that support it. The more evidence that is gathered through research to support a theory, the stronger it becomes. Conversely, theories guide research by providing a basis for the hypotheses being tested.

Why is it important for a theory to be relevant and tentative?

A theory should be relevant to ensure it addresses the current understanding and gaps in knowledge within a field. It should be tentative to allow for the possibility that new evidence may require adjustments or refinements to the theory.

What is the role of theory in formulating a theoretical rationale?

In formulating a theoretical rationale, theory serves as the foundation for understanding the phenomena being investigated. It helps in clarifying concepts and definitions, determining the approach to understanding the phenomena, and deciding whether to use inductive or deductive reasoning.

How does a researcher use previously published work when developing a theoretical rationale?

A researcher uses previously published work to become aware of or confirm theoretical connections between variables. This helps in formulating the theoretical rationale by providing a basis for the hypotheses and theories that will guide the research.

What is the significance of the placement of theory in quantitative research?

In quantitative research, the placement of theory can occur in the introduction, literature review, or as a separate section. Each placement serves a different purpose, such as conveying a deductive approach, providing a logical extension of thought, or offering a clear separation for detailed explanation.

How can theory be used in qualitative research, and what are the three main placements?

In qualitative research, theory can be used upfront as a broad explanation, at the end as an inductive process, or as an advocacy lens. The placement of theory depends on the research approach and can influence how the study is structured and interpreted.

What is the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning in the context of research?

Inductive reasoning starts with specific observations or cases and builds up to general themes or conclusions, often used in qualitative research. Deductive reasoning begins with general principles or facts assumed to be true and tests these through hypotheses, commonly used in quantitative research.

How can a researcher combine quantitative and qualitative research methods, and what role does theory play in this?

A researcher can combine quantitative and qualitative research methods by using a sequential, explanatory, or concurrent approach. Theory plays a central role in this process, as it can be a mixture of both deductive and inductive logic, and is often stated at the start of the study to guide the research.

Outlines

00:00

🔬 Understanding Theoretical Rationale

This paragraph introduces the concept of a theoretical rationale in the context of research. It explains that theory serves as a model or framework to observe and understand phenomena, shaping what we see and how we see it. The theory allows researchers to link perceptions with provable facts, acting as a generalized explanatory principle. It organizes knowledge about a topic and aims to explain and predict relationships between variables. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of theory in guiding research, adding structure to ideas, and generating new research. It also highlights the tentative nature of theories, which should be relevant and supported by research findings. The process of formulating a theoretical rationale involves reviewing related research, understanding concepts and definitions, and determining the approach—whether inductive or deductive.

05:00

📝 Crafting a Theoretical Rationale

The second paragraph focuses on how to write a theoretical rationale. It suggests starting with the purpose of the study, always mentioning the independent variable first. A template for a theoretical rationale is provided, adapted from John Criswell's book, which includes identifying the theory's origin, its application in previous studies, and the propositions or hypotheses derived from it. The paragraph discusses the placement of theory in quantitative research, which can be in the introduction, literature review, or a separate section, depending on the approach. It also touches on the use of theory in qualitative research, explaining three main placements: upfront as a broad explanation, at the end as an inductive process, or as an advocacy lens when the researcher's worldview influences the study's purpose.

10:03

🧩 Combining Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

The final paragraph explores the role of theory in mixed methods research, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. It explains that the theory can play a central role regardless of the research method. In quantitative research, the theory may be implied or explicitly stated, and in qualitative research, it can be used in various ways, such as starting with a broad explanation, developing theories from data, or using a specific lens like critical theory. The paragraph outlines different ways to combine deductive and inductive reasoning, such as starting with one and following with the other, or using both concurrently. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of theory in research, regardless of the approach taken, and provides references for further reading.

Keywords

💡Theoretical Rationale

A theoretical rationale is a logical statement that explains the relationship between variables in a study. It serves as the foundation for guiding research and is based on existing theories. In the video, it is mentioned that a theoretical rationale is essential for determining if the independent variable influences the dependent variable. It is used to make a connection between what is observed and what can be proven, shaping the researcher's approach and hypotheses.

💡Theory

In the context of the video, a theory is defined as a model or framework that helps in observing and understanding phenomena. It shapes what we see and how we see it, allowing researchers to link perceptions with provable facts. The video emphasizes that a theory is a generalized statement that asserts a connection between different phenomena and is used to explain and predict relationships between variables.

💡Variables

Variables are the elements or factors that are manipulated or observed in a scientific study to understand their effects on other variables. The video discusses how theories are used to explain and predict the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The independent variable is the one manipulated by the researcher, while the dependent variable is the one expected to change as a result.

💡Deductive Reasoning

Deductive reasoning is a method of reasoning from the general to the specific, where a conclusion is reached based on established premises or theories. In the video, it is mentioned as a method where researchers start with a theory and then test it through hypotheses, leading to more specific questions and conclusions.

💡Inductive Reasoning

Inductive reasoning is the process of making generalizations based on specific observations or instances. The video describes it as starting with observations or specific cases and then exploring them through in-depth data collection, leading to the identification of themes and general conclusions.

💡Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation or assumption made on the basis of limited evidence, serving as a starting point for further investigation. The video explains that hypotheses are developed based on theories and are tested through research to see if they are supported or not.

💡Research Question

The research question is the central inquiry or problem that a study aims to address. In the video, it is mentioned that the research question involves a combination of both deductive and inductive reasoning, depending on the approach taken in the study.

💡Quantitative Research

Quantitative research is a systematic methodology that emphasizes the measurement and quantification of variables to understand phenomena. The video discusses how theory plays a central role in quantitative research, either being explicitly stated or implied, and how it can be placed in different sections of the research.

💡Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is an approach that focuses on understanding social phenomena in depth, often involving non-numerical data. The video explains how theory can be used in qualitative research in various ways, such as upfront explanation, at the end of the research process, or as an advocacy lens.

💡Mixed Methods Research

Mixed methods research combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a research problem. The video discusses how theory can be integrated into mixed methods research, using both deductive and inductive logic in the study.

💡Critical Theory

Critical theory is a perspective that seeks to critique and challenge existing power structures and social norms. In the video, it is mentioned as an example of an advocacy lens, where the research aims to recommend improved treatment of participants or address social issues like race, class, and gender.

Highlights

The role of theory in research is introduced, emphasizing its importance in shaping what researchers observe and understand.

Definition of a theoretical rationale is provided, explaining its purpose in research.

Guidance on writing a theoretical rationale, including how to link theory to research variables.

Explanation of how theory allows researchers to make connections between perceptions and provable facts.

The concept of theory as a generalized explanatory principle that organizes knowledge about a topic.

Discussion on how theory guides research and adds organization to ideas.

Importance of theory in generating new research and its relevance and tentative nature.

The significance of theoretical connections between variables when formulating a theoretical rationale.

Clarity and continuity in theoretical concepts and definitions when investigating phenomena.

The decision between inductive or deductive reasoning in theoretical rationale development.

How the theoretical rationale is derived from the review of related research.

The structure of a theoretical rationale template and its components.

Placement of theory in quantitative research, including its position in the introduction or literature review.

Different placements of theory in qualitative research: upfront, at the end, or as an advocacy lens.

Combining quantitative and qualitative research methods and their impact on the use of theory.

The central role of theory in research, regardless of the approach used.

References for further detailed information on the use of theory in research.

Transcripts

hi everyone welcome to week six of the

module and during this week we will look

at the role of theory we will be

starting first with theoretical

rationale so in this short video we'll

be looking at the definition of a

theoretical rationale we will be looking

at how you can write your own

theoretical rationale and we'll also can

either look at way to place theory right

so if we start off what is the theory

well the theory is a model or a

framework that we use to observe and to

to understand and we do that because it

shapes both what we can see and how we

see it so what the theory does is allows

the researcher to make a link between

what is perceived or what they think

what they what they imagine and what

they can prove right so what we mean is

that we are it's a thought statement so

what do I think about what's the theory

behind something and what do I actually

see what or observe so theory is a

generalized statement that asserts a

connection between two or more types of

phenomena and energies can be a

generalized explanatory principle so a

theory is thus a system of

interconnected thoughts or ideas that

condenses and organizes the knowledge

about your topic or about the world at

large and the theory intends to explain

and predict the relationship between

variables so I would propose in theory

that the effects see in this way and

it's a theory and I go about testing it

so your theory would guide your research

and it would add organization to its

ideas and obviously theory becomes more

stronger the more support that you have

for your theory through your research

findings and theory always has capacity

to generate new research and it is

always a theory should be relevant and

it should always be tentative so while

you are looking at previously published

work you will become aware of or even

confirm some of the theoretical

connections between variables and these

are very important as when you start

formulating your theoretical rationale

you have to keep in mind the different

concepts and the definitions they should

have clarity they should have continuity

and we approach to understanding you

your your phenomena that you want to

investigate and also determine whether

you're going to be using an inductive or

deductive reasoning so ideally your

threat aggression outcomes from the

review of research related to the

independent or the dependent variables

of your study you will then use all of

these findings or ones that influence

these research studies as a theory on

which on which you will base your hunch

about the variables in your study so you

have this theory that if I am comparing

product a to product B this is what I

expect I'm basing it on theory and I'm

setting out to prove it right so your

best purchase reticle rationale it's

going to be okay so if we briefly

summarize a theoretic rationale has a

goal of determining the if the

independent variable influences the

dependent variable right the researcher

has a bethis about what the result is

going to be and this can either be based

on person

experiences or from past learning what

has been done before and the researcher

will have to include any scientific or

other grey literature to support the

hypotheses and include a theory that

either suggests or predicts that

hypothesis will be supported in the

study so in short they threaten

rationale is a logical statement for

relating the variables of your study

okay so now you have gone through some

of articles or some of the books that

have been published before and you've

not gathered enough information now you

want to write your three to go rationale

it would start with something like this

the purpose of this study is to describe

or compare or relate and you would

always start with the independent

variable first in both a theoretical

rationale and throughout your concept

note as well as any research proposal

and you always mentioned the theory at

the beginning of a sentence right so

here is a theoretical rationale template

that has been adapted from a book by

John Criswell and what basically says is

the theory used in this study will be

you named a theory developed by the

person so identify the origin of the

source for the theory it was used to

study and here you would identify the

topics where the theory has been found

to apply this theory indicates that here

you would put in what your propositions

are the hypothesis in your theory as

applied to this study one-digit open

about the theory holds that is

reasonable to expect that the

independent variables will influence or

explain the dependent variables and here

you would add in what your dependent

variables are because and here you would

think provide the rationale based on the

logic of the theory okay so if we look

at the placement of a theory in

quantitative research if it is placed in

the introduction section this is

generally the most common approach it's

familiar to the reader a mate when they

read it they say oh this is what you're

going to use it conveys a deductive

approach and all effects where that you

know if it is in you review of

literature it becomes a logical

extension of you flow of thoughts so

you're explaining what the background is

and this then flows into what a theory

is you can also go after the your

hypothesis and this explains how and why

the variables are related or it can be

in a separate section and this is in a

clear separation from the other

components of the research process it

can be better identified and a better

understanding of the theory if it is

explained in detail

now what about qualitative research well

the variety of the ways that Theory can

be used in qualitative research and

there are three main placements of

theory and these are right up front

right up front explanation or it can be

right at the end or you can use it as an

after advocacy lens so if you look at

the placement of theory upfront this is

when a theories uses a broad explanation

for the attitudes for the variable of a

study population the research will begin

with the theory and then phrases all of

these questions around the theory which

may then include variables or constructs

or any

hypotheses if that is applicable if you

think of an example of an ethnographer

which is investigating themes of

culturing them within a tribal community

there are quite a number of theories

that would come out of thing but some of

the themes around the theories might

include

language or familiar organization or

tribal or hierarchy and each one of

these themes can further broken down in

a series of hypotheses about the see

sorry that the researcher can then test

but by starting off with an idea in mind

it makes the explanation of the study

much simpler so if you're for example

think of the placement of theory right

at the end so the theory comes at the

end this is when it as is an inductive

process and the diagram below describes

that so it's thought of by gathering

information for interviews for example

it would ask them open-ended questions

you would analyze the data and identify

themes and then from these broad themes

or general generalizations you then

develop theories from these themes and

at the end the researcher poses theories

from past experiences and from the

literature so the theory comes right at

the end you don't start off with a

theory

lastly we look at the advocacy lens so

this is used when a researchers world

implies that the purpose of the research

is to recommend the improved treatment

of participants in the world outside of

the research right so an example would

be a worldview that indicated that would

involve and her advocacy lanes and this

could be critical theory for example

which would involve concerns with

empowering humans to transcend the

constraints placed on them by race class

and gender so by starting off the field

with a particular lens in mind that is

how the research would start off so

already starting off with that that idea

through a very specific worldview

okay so if we think of combining

quantitative and qualitative research

methods depending on how we mix them you

would use the results of both the

inductive and deductive logic in the

study if you look at deductive this is

associated with testing hypotheses and

using quantitative methods in

qualitative research that section where

the process is generating hypotheses you

will then use the inductive logic

reasoning and the diagram and the next

slide will explain this in a little bit

more detail alright so your question

research question would involve a

combination of both deductive and

inductive reasoning if we started with

deductive this would begin with stating

the facts or general principles assume

to be true he would then test these by

developing hypotheses these hypotheses

are either accepted or rejected based on

your test so experiments and these will

then lead to more specific questions if

we look on the at the end you're in the

inductive reasoning would start off with

observations or specific cases that are

seem to be relevant and these are then

explored through in-depth data

collection these will lead to

identification of themes and then these

themes are they used to build or to

refine more general conclusions now bear

in mind when you are mixing qualitative

and quantitative methods you can either

start with a deductive reasoning first

and then inductive reasoning afterwards

and that's one specific method or

inductive reasoning first and afterwards

they you start with deductive or they

can start exactly the same time

remember these are sequential

explanatory sequential exploratory your

concurrent methods meaning at least are

exactly the same time so

please be the in mind right so if we

summarize regardless of which research

approach that is used Theory does play a

central role now in quantitative

research the serum may not be upfront it

may be implied in quantitative research

the theory may be explicitly stated at

the start or at the end of the study or

using the specific lens and when you are

combining these two methods the theory

can be a mixture and it is frequently

stated at the start of your study and

your a few references that you can refer

to for more detailed information on

these thank you very much