8310 MD2 Dis 1

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8310 MD2 Dis1 Colleague Response

Respond to one of your colleagues’ posts in a 125 words by clarifying or expanding your understanding of the role of a theoretical or conceptual framework in qualitative research. Search and locate a relevant article that uses a similar lens or an article that takes a different approach to support your response. Use proper APA format and citations.

Al Lewis Response

The theoretical framework is the foundation from which all knowledge is constructed (metaphorically and literally) for a research study” (Grant & Osanloo, 2014, p. 12). Using a theoretical framework, such as a feministic theoretical lens, provides specific ideas and themes, such a critical assumption of egalitarianism between men and women in the workplace (Walden University, 2016). Rubin & Rubin (2012) described different assumptions and research philosophies that researchers make that guides their research approach, such as positivism and postpositivism. While a theoretical framework is derived from existing theory, which has been tested and validated by others, a conceptual framework is the researcher’s understanding of how the study’s problem will best be explored (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). Ravitch & Carl, 2021) acknowledged the vague overlap of conceptual frameworks and theoretical frameworks and stated that the terms are “…used somewhat interchangeably and often in unclear ways” (p. 33).

Conceptual frameworks provide the researcher with means of explaining the topic, why it is important, and how the study’s methodology will answer the research question (Ravitch & Carl, 2021). Later, Ravitch & Carl (2021) described the theoretical framework as a subcomponent of the conceptual framework, and stated that the theoretical framework influences and shapes research through the entire study. This week’s resources illustrate this relationship and the utility of both.

Conroy (2013) applied a feminist lens to study sexual harassment as a catalyst for asking research questions beyond the scope of other theories, such as developmental and cognitive theories. Specific to the study, a feminist theoretical framework focused the study towards the following; sexual harassment as a tool for policing gender conformity, as a tool for policing heterosexuality, and an assertion of male dominance (Conroy, 2013).

Cleaver and Ballantyne (2014) applied a conceptual framework of constructivism to music teaching design that relied on the assumption that knowledge, understanding, and meaning are individual constructions of reality, rather than discovery of information. Music educators were studied to compare their perceptions of constructivist theory and their teaching delivery and design of learning experiences. Applying this conceptual framework allowed Cleaver and Ballantyne (2014) to conclude that preservice educators should study constructivism in a reflective environment, as opposed to isolated methodological theory.

Stahl et al. (2014) applied critical theory to analyze ethical issues of information security, specifically electronic medical records policies and practice. They concluded that there was a disconnect between existing policies and ethical underpinnings. The application of this theoretical framework allowed for a critical analysis of the problem, as opposed to traditional approaches that reinforce traditional viewpoints and ideologies.

The use of data and a scholarly research can provide the foundation for social change, such as educating citizens about drug overdoses in their state of residence (Kundert, 2012).

Sources

Cleaver, D., & Ballantyne, J. (2014). Teachers’ views of constructivist theory: A qualitative study illuminating relationships between epistemological understanding and music teaching practice. International Journal of Music Education, 32(2), 228-241.

Conroy, N.E.(2013). Rethinking adolescent peer sexual harassment: Contributions of feminist theory. Journal of School Violence, 12, 340-356.

Grant, C., & Osanloo, A. (2014). Understanding, Selecting, and Integrating a Theoretical Framework in Dissertation Research: Creating the Blueprint for Your "House". Administrative Issues Journal: Education, Practice, And Research, 4(2), 12-26.

Ravitch, S. M., & Carl, N. M. (2021). Qualitative research: Bridging the conceptual, theoretical, and methodological (2nd ed.) Sage Publications.

Rubin, H. J., & Rubin, I. S. (2012). Qualitative interviewing: The art of hearing data (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Stahl, B., Doherty, N., Shaw, M., & Janicke, H. (2014). Critical Theory as an Approach to the Ethics of Information Security. Science & Engineering Ethics, 20(3), 675-699.

Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2016). Theoretical lens and frameworks for qualitative researchers [Video file]. Author.

Kundert, J. (2012). Battling drug addiction in the heartland [Video file].