Theoretical Framework and Conceptual Framework in Your Doctoral Dissertation with Dr. Guy E. White

Summary

Dr. Guy, author of 'The Dissertation Warrior,' explains how to choose a theoretical or conceptual framework for a dissertation. He outlines the importance of selecting a framework as a lens to focus on a research problem, whether it’s an established theory (theoretical framework) or a custom-built one (conceptual framework). Dr. Guy advises students to compile a list of at least 10 potential frameworks from the literature and make an informed, well-reasoned decision. He emphasizes the need to understand program-specific norms and expectations, ensuring that the framework chosen is the best fit for the research study.

Takeaways

• 😀 A theoretical or conceptual framework serves as a lens through which you examine your research problem.
• 😀 The difference between theoretical and conceptual frameworks: theoretical frameworks are pre-existing theories, while conceptual frameworks are custom-built by combining elements from different theories.
• 😀 When selecting a framework, it’s important to focus on the specific problem your study aims to understand.
• 😀 You should explore various frameworks in the literature and develop a list of at least 10 options to consider for your dissertation.
• 😀 The framework provides a focus for your study by narrowing down the broad range of topics you could explore within your research.
• 😀 Qualitative and quantitative studies may have different preferences for using theoretical or conceptual frameworks depending on the program or research design.
• 😀 Justifying your framework choice involves comparing it to other potential frameworks and demonstrating why it is the best fit for your study.
• 😀 Each doctoral program may have its own standards for using theoretical and conceptual frameworks, so it's important to check previous dissertations from your program.
• 😀 Choosing the right framework involves evaluating frameworks against each other and making a reasoned decision about which one will best support your research.
• 😀 A conceptual framework can be seen as a 'Frankenstein' of theories, created by integrating relevant concepts from different models if no existing theory fits your research needs.

Q & A

What is the role of a theoretical or conceptual framework in a dissertation?

A theoretical or conceptual framework serves as a lens through which you look at the problem that is the focus of your study. It helps define and narrow the focus of your research by providing a structured perspective from which to approach the researchable problem.

What is the key difference between a theoretical and a conceptual framework?

A theoretical framework refers to an existing theory or model that you select and apply to your research, while a conceptual framework is something you build yourself, often by combining elements from multiple existing theories to better fit your study's needs.

Can you build your own conceptual framework instead of using an existing theory?

Yes, you can build your own conceptual framework. If you find that no existing theory adequately captures the elements relevant to your research, you can create a conceptual framework by combining concepts from different theories.

What example does the speaker provide to illustrate how frameworks work in a study?

The speaker uses the example of successful nurses to demonstrate how different frameworks can focus a study. For instance, applying Bass and Avolio's Full Range of Leadership model can help you examine aspects of transformational leadership in nurses, while Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs can direct attention to the fulfillment of nurses’ needs.

How should doctoral students choose a theoretical or conceptual framework for their dissertation?

Doctoral students should choose their framework by conducting a thorough literature review, gathering multiple theoretical or conceptual frameworks that could apply to their study, and then selecting the one that best fits their research question and context.

What is the importance of reviewing other dissertations when choosing a framework?

Reviewing other dissertations from your program is crucial as it helps you understand the norms in your field and within your specific doctoral program. This can guide you in selecting the appropriate framework for your study.

What should you do if you find no perfect theoretical framework for your research?

If you find no single theoretical framework that fits your research, you can build a conceptual framework by combining elements from different theories. This allows you to create a framework that aligns better with your specific research needs.

How can you justify your choice of theoretical or conceptual framework to your dissertation chair?

You can justify your choice by presenting a well-researched list of potential frameworks, explaining why the selected framework is the best fit for your study based on its alignment with your research goals and the problem you're addressing.

How many potential frameworks should you consider before choosing one for your study?

It is recommended to consider at least 10 different theoretical or conceptual frameworks before selecting one. This shows that you’ve explored various options and made an informed, deliberate decision based on a broad review of the literature.

What advice does the speaker give about theoretical and conceptual frameworks in doctoral studies?

The speaker advises that students should not simply rely on personal preference when selecting a framework. Instead, they should gather a variety of frameworks from the literature, weigh their options, and make a well-considered choice based on the needs of their study.