Theoretical Frameworks, Part 2: How Do I Know If It Is Any Good?

In my last post, I wrote about the purposes of a theoretical framework, its home in a journal manuscript, and its typical length. In this post, I offer some suggestions for developing and evaluating a theoretical framework.

How Do I Create a Theoretical Framework?

Cynthia Grant and Azadeh Osanloo (2014) offer helpful guidance on selecting theories for the theoretical framework. They recommend that you begin by exploring your own epistemological beliefs and values, as our assumptions will shape the way we view problems and their potential solutions. The next step is to identify theoretical perspectives that will align with your values and broaden your understanding of the concepts under study. Alignment is important, as working with theories that are at odds with your own values and beliefs could present challenges as you move forward in the research process. In exploring your own research values and complementary theories, you might consider the following:

• The worldview (e.g., constructivism, progressivism, positivism) that tends to shape the approach to research questions in your field;

• Values and beliefs held by scholars and practitioners in your field;

• Informal theories you’ve developed based on your experiences as a student, scholar, or practitioner; and

• Formal theories or models that hold a special interest for you.

Now, you are ready to dive into the literature to develop a working knowledge of selected theories and their underlying constructs. You may also want to identify empirical support for these theories and explore how other researchers have applied them. Consider whether previous research has called a selected theory into question or suggested significant revisions. This doesn’t mean you can’t use the theory, but you will want to acknowledge the challenges it presents and suggest how you may have addressed those challenges in developing your theoretical framework.

You are now ready to consider how selected theories integrate with the research problem, the purpose of your study, and the study’s significance. For example, you may want to spend some time reflecting on how your theoretical framework emerges from or connects to the research problem.

Building a Concept Map

One way to refine your theoretical framework is by creating a concept map. As you are reading the literature, you will undoubtedly pull out key theoretical constructs or concepts. These concepts can next be organized into a logical structure by categorizing and then grouping and integrating similar concepts. You can then begin to define the linkages between concepts and synthesize these relationships into a working theory. Maxwell (1996) suggested the concept map is "A picture of the territory you want to study [or] a picture of what you think is going on with the phenomenon you’re studying" (p. 25). The concept map may also offer a plan for how you approach answering your research question(s) within the bounds of a specific theoretical framework. As such, concept maps may appear in the Method section of quantitative journal articles where researchers are concerned with model testing. Concept maps may also show up in qualitative pieces, which are more likely to focus on theory building than theory confirmation.

How Can I Tell If My Framework Is Any Good?

One of the most useful ways to evaluate your theoretical framework might be to step back and think about the kinds of questions readers or reviewers are likely to ask about it. (Asking an actual reader to respond to it is also a great idea!) As you draft the theoretical framework section of your manuscript, you may want to keep in mind these questions, suggested by Shosh Leshem and Vernon Trafford (2007):

• Why did you select these particular theories or models? Will readers be able to see how they emerged from your reading of the literature? Will their relevance to your research problem be evident?

• What theoretical components form the basis of your framework? It’s unlikely that you have adopted a theory wholesale. Which concepts did you use? Have you adapted them in any way? Have you brought concepts from different models into conversation with each other in your framework?

• Related to this, how did you decide which concepts or constructs to include in the framework?

• How did your framework inform your research method or your data analysis?

• Would readers benefit from seeing a visual representation of your framework? For example, would it help them understand the relationship among variables if you are building or testing statistical models?

This discussion offers a cursory overview of theoretical frameworks; you can take a deeper dive into this topic in the online course, Using Theory to Frame the Research Study.

References

Grant, C., & Osanloo, A. (2014). Understanding, selecting, and integrating a theoretical framework in dissertation research: Creating the blueprint for your ‘house.’ Administrative Issues Journal: Connecting Education, Practice, and Research, 4(2), 12-26. doi: 10.5929/2014.4.2.9

Leshem, S., & Trafford, V. (2007). Overlooking the conceptual framework. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 44(1), 93-105.

Maxwell, J. A. (1996). Qualitative research design: An interactive approach. SAGE.