Presentation Outlines. Developing Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks. What theory must address. Theory. Importance of Theory in Research

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1 Developing Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks Akintola Akintoye Presentation Outlines Definitions: Theory; Concepts, etc. Theoretic Framework (TF): Definition, Purpose, etc. Conceptual Framework (CF): Definition, Purpose Similarities and Differences between TF and CF Developing Theoretical Framework Formulating Conceptual Framework Using Concept Map to Formulate Conceptual Framework Purpose of Review of Related Literature in Development of TF /CF Summary Theory Three major defining characteristics of a theory: it is a set of interrelated propositions, concepts and definitions that present a systematic point of view ; specifies relationships between / among concepts; and explains and / or makes predictions about the occurrence of events, based on the specified relationships What theory must address A theory has four components, namely: definition of terms, concepts or variables a domain to which the theory is applicable a set of relationships amongst the variables, specific predictive claims. (Wacker J G (1998) A definition of theory: Research guidelines for different theory-building research methods in operations management. Journal of Operations Management, 16: ) Importance of Theory in Research The function of theory in research is to identify the starting point of the research problem and to establish the vision to which the problem is directed. It determines and defines the focus and goal of the research problem. Definition of Concept An image or symbolic representation of an abstract idea The components of theory which (i) convey the abstract ideas within a theory ; (ii) a complex mental formulation of experience. (Chinn PL, Kramer MK Theory and Nursing: A Systematic Approach. 5th Edition. St Louis, USA: Mosby.) Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. 1

2 Derivation of TF and CF Theoretical Framework Theory Conceptual Framework A Set of Related Concepts Adapted from Imenda S (2014) Is there a Conceptual Difference between Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks? J. Soc Sci, 38(2), What is Theoretical Framework? It is a frame of reference that is a basis for observations, definitions of concepts, research designs, interpretations, and generalizations, much as the frame that rests on a foundation defines the overall design of a house. (LoBiondo-Wood G, Haber J (1998) Nursing research: methods critical appraisal and utilization. (4 th Ed) Mosby.. Missouri p. 141). What is Theoretical Framework? This refers to the theory(ies) that a researcher chooses to guide him/her in his/her research. It is the application of a theory, or a set of concepts drawn from one and the same theory, to offer an explanation of an event, or shed some light on a particular phenomenon or research problem. What does Theoretical Framework do? It helps the researcher see clearly the variables of the study; It can provide him with a general framework for data analysis It is essential in preparing a research proposal using descriptive and experimental methods Purpose Theoretical Framework The theory provides a point of focus for attacking the unknown in a specific area. If a relationship is found between two or more variables a theory should be formulated to explain why the relationship exists. Theories are purposely created and formulated, never discovered; they can be tested but never proven. Theory Development The importance of the theory is dependent on the degree of research-based evidence and level of its theory development. There are four levels of theory development: Factor isolating (describe phenomena) Factor relating (explain phenomena) Situation relating (predict the relationships between/among phenomena) Situation producing (control phenomena and relationships) Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. 2

3 Theoretical Framework of a Study It is a structure that can hold or support a theory of a research work. It presents the theory which explains why the problem under study exists. Thus, the theoretical framework is but a theory that serves as a basis for conducting research. Why is Theoretical Frameworks Used? (Purpose) To provide the organization for the study To test theories To make research findings meaningful and generalizable To establish orderly connections between observations and facts. To guide the researcher in the interpretations of the results. To predict and control situations To stimulate research What is Conceptual Framework? An end result of bringing together a number of related concepts to explain or predict a given event, or give a broader understanding of the phenomenon of interest or simply, of a research problem. The process of arriving at a conceptual framework is akin to an inductive process whereby small individual pieces (in this case, concepts) are joined together to tell a bigger map of possible relationships. What is Conceptual Framework? This consists of concepts that are placed within a logical and sequential design. It represents less formal structure and used for studies in which existing theory is inapplicable or insufficient. It is based on specific concepts and propositions, derived from empirical observation and intuition. It may be possible to deduce theories from a conceptual framework. Conceptual Framework It is an interconnected set of ideas (theories) about how a particular phenomenon functions or is related to its parts. It serves as the basis for understanding the causal or correlational patterns of interconnections across events, ideas, observations, concepts, knowledge, interpretations and other components of experience. Purposes of Conceptual Framework To clarify concepts and propose relationships among the concepts in a study. To provide a context for interpreting the study findings. To explain observations To encourage theory development that is useful to practice Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. 3

4 Mixed Methods Research Third methodological or research paradigm (along with qualitative and quantitative Research Theoretical Framework Vs Conceptual Framework Purposes of TF and CF together Helps the researcher see clearly the main variables and concepts in a given study; Provides the researcher with a general approach (methodology research design, target population and research sample, data collection & analysis) Guides the researcher in the collection, interpretation and explanation of the data Guides future research specifically where the conceptual framework integrates literature review and field data. Purposes of Theories and Conceptual Models Their overall purpose is to make research findings meaningful and generalizable. Theories and conceptual models help to stimulate research and the extension of knowledge by providing both direction and impetus Genesis Difference between CF and TF (Imenda, 2014) Conceptual Created from a variety of conceptual and theoretical perspectives Theoretical Evolve from literature review / adapted from existing theory Conceptual Meaning Synthesis of relevant concepts Application of a theory as a whole or in part Process Underline Review of Literature Methodological Approach School of Application Research Base Inductive many aspects of different theoretical perspectives are brought together Located in both quantitative and qualitative paradigms Limited to specific research problem and / or context Social Science / Management based research Deductive use dominantly in natural science Located mainly in the quantitative research paradigm Wider application beyond the current research problem and context Natural Sciences based research Relationship between TF and CF Relative to Research Paradigms Difference between the two Quantitative Research Problem Identify Relevant Theoretical Structure (TF) (Deductive Approach) Qualitative Research Problem Synthesise Relevant Concepts from Various Sources (CF) (Inductive Approach) A conceptual framework is the researcher s idea on how the research problem will have to be explored. This is founded on the theoretical framework, which lies on a much broader scale of resolution. Apply TF to Research Problem Apply CF to Research Problem Adapted from Imenda S (2014) Is there a Conceptual Difference between Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks? J. Soc Sci, 38(2), The theoretical framework dwells on time tested theories that embody the findings of numerous investigations on how phenomena occur. Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. 4

5 Theoretical and the Conceptual Framework The theoretical framework basically differs from the conceptual framework in terms of scope. The theoretical framework describes a broader relationship between things. The conceptual framework is much more specific in defining this relationship. The conceptual framework specifies the variables that will have to be explored in the investigation. Developing TF and CF How to come up with TF / CF Generally in order to come up with TF / CF to guide conduct of the research, the Researcher has: Review literature pertaining to their chosen research topic. Find out what has been studied so far in the fields Come up with own synthesis of the literature. Look for gaps in knowledge Identify what questions need to be answered Identify what problems need to be given solutions. Use to outcomes of this to formulate own conceptual framework to serve as a guide for research venture. Using TF / CF in Research Process Once a TF / CF is selected, it should be used throughout the study. This means that it guides the entire research process; however, the entire theory is not tested in one study. Process of Research: Relating Theoretical Framework and Conceptual Framework Do a search of the literature for theories and examine various theories to determine what might be appropriate to examine the research problem. Select the theory for the research study. This is the theory that will guide and direct the research process. Conduct a comprehensive review of literature on studies that used this theory base Formulate the hypotheses or research questions to be tested using the theory or propositions from within the theory, Write the conceptual definitions of the study variables based on the theory,. Operationalize the study variables by selecting the instruments that will be used to test the concepts. The instrument must be congruent with the theory. Explain the findings of the study using the theory, Draw conclusions from the results based on the theory. Decide if the theory is supported by the results of the study Determine if there are any implications from the results that can be related to the theory Make recommendations for future research and include use of the theory Formulating Theoretical Framework specifies the theory used as basis for the study mentions the proponents of the theory cites the main points emphasized in the theory Supports his exposition of the theory by ideas from other experts; illustrates his theoretical framework by means of a diagram; and, reiterates his theoretical proposition in the study. Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. 5

6 Methods of Developing Conceptual Framework Experiential Knowledge Prior theory- simply published work, but other people s theories and research in general. - a set of concepts and ideas and the proposed relationships among these Prior research this is useful other than as a source of theory How to Formulate Conceptual Framework First, you need to have a set of concepts to work with; these can come from existing theory your experience, The people you are studying their own concepts of what s going on. The main thing to keep in mind is that at this point you are trying to represent the theory you already have about the phenomena you are studying, not primarily to invent a new theory. Prior research Four specific things that Prior research can contribute to your research design. Helps you to develop a justification for your study to show how your work will address an important need or unanswered question. Can inform your decisions about methods, suggesting alternative approaches or identifying potential methodological problems or solutions. Be a source of data that can be used to test or modify your theories. Can help you generate theory Concept Mapping for Developing Conceptual Framework Concept mapping is a tool for developing and presenting the conceptual framework for your design. Maxwell, J. (2005). Conceptual framework: What do you think is going on? In Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach, (pp ). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications. Conceptual Paradigm a diagram that visually represents and interprets the underlying theory, principles and concepts of a research. a visual presentation of variables that interrelate with one another as perceived by the researcher before an actual empirical investigation is done to prove its relationships Reasons for creating concept maps To pull together, and make visible, what your implicit theory is, or to clarify an existing theory. This can allow you to see the implications of the theory, its limitations, and its relevance for your study. To develop theory. Like memos, concept maps are a way of thinking on paper ; they can help you see unexpected connections, or to identify holes or contradictions in your theory and figure out ways to resolve these. Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. 6

7 Different Kinds of Concept Maps Example of Concept Map There are different kinds of concept maps, with different purposes; these include the following: An abstract framework mapping the relationship among concepts A flowchart-like account of events and how you think these are connected A causal network of variables or influences A treelike diagram of the meanings of words A Venn diagram, representing concepts as overlapping circles Swamp Leadership: The Wisdom of the Craft, by B. Croskery, 1995, unpublished doctoral dissertation, Harvard Graduate School of Education. Example of Concept Map A Causal Network: Perry-Parkdale School. In M. B. and Huberman, A. M. (1994), Qualitative Data Analysis: An Expanded Sourcebook (2nd ed.)thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Strategies to develop Concept Map for Conceptual Framework Think about the key words you use in talking about this topic; these probably represent important concepts in your theory. Take something you have already written and try to map the theory that is implicit (or explicit) in this. Take one key concept, idea, or term and brainstorm all of the things that might be related to this, then go back and select those that seem most directly relevant to your study. Do not ignore concepts based on your experience rather than the literature; these can be central to your conceptual framework.. Based on the foregoing example,? 1. specifies the theory used as basis for the study 2. mentions the proponents of the theory 3. cites the main points emphasized in the theory 4. Supports his exposition of the theory by ideas from other experts; 5. illustrates his theoretical framework by means of a diagram; and, 6. reiterates his theoretical proposition in the study. Purpose of Review of Related Literature in Development of TF /CF It gives researcher several ideas on how to select and formulate his own research problem. It helps the researcher identify studies that have been done related to the topic he is interested in. It avoids possible duplication of similar studies. It guides the researcher on the possible theoretical framework he can use for his current study. Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. 7

8 It gives direction to the researcher on how he will create his own conceptual framework. It allows the researcher to browse several kinds of research designs, sampling techniques, statistical procedures, questionnaires and processes of presenting, analysing, and interpreting data, from where he could base his own choice for his paper. It gives a picture of a comparative analysis between variables used in reviewed materials and those used in the current study. Summary In summary, they both serve the same purposes but are different: Conceptually Methodologically Scope of their application While the words are used interchangeably in the literature, a theoretical framework provides a broad explanation of relationships that exists between concepts. Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. 8