Title: Theoretical frameworks in qualitative research
Course: EDPS0009: Researching Education and Society: Qualitative Methods 2020/2021 > Section: 1. Research community

Definition of theoretical frameworks

Defining terms is always difficult, and in many cases scholars use terms differently for their own purposes. The term theoretical framework is no different. Therefore, theoretical frameworks may describe the paradigms of social research (e.g. postpositivist, constructivist, critical, feminist), the methodology and approaches to research (e.g. narrative analysis, systems analysis, symbolic interactionism) and/or the theories that can be used as lenses to study (e.g. learning theory, cultural capital, identity formation). All of these are correct definitions, and it is important to know how the term is used and what it signifies for you.

Which theoretical framework shall I use?

Theoretical frameworks come out of and can be derived from all sorts of disciplines and schools of thought from education, sociology, psychology, anthropology, to economics, political science, biology or physics, for example. This means that researchers can be very particular about the choices they make and select what is suitable for them in general, but also for the project they are involved in. It does mean that the more widely we read, the more choices we have at our disposal, the more interesting the research can become.

With such vast options available, it is often difficult to decide on a theoretical framework; and researchers are known to change their frameworks from one project to the next as much as they are known to stick with one particular choice. Ultimately, it is important to know how the theoretical framework will impact the research.

How does a theoretical framework impact my research?

According to Anfara (2008), theoretical frameworks in qualitative research have four functions: "(a) focus a study, (b) reveal and conceal meaning and understanding, (c) situate the research in a scholarly conversation and provide a vernacular, and (d) reveal its strengths and weaknesses".

In brief, theoretical frameworks have positive and negative effects on a research project. On the one hand, they help researchers to focus on specific areas of study and enable the researchers to follow strict guidance on how to do a study, so that choices about methods or analytical approaches are made for the researchers. On the other hand, that advantage is at the same time a drawback. Following specific steps and guidelines means that researchers may move in a specific direction, where they may overlook or ignore interesting and relevant outcomes.

There is no real solution to this conundrum other than to be fully aware of the strengths and limitations of the theoretical frameworks we apply and to be transparent in our choices.

For further reading check out Theoretical frameworks.

Reference:

Anfara, V. (2008). Theoretical frameworks. In L. M. Given (Ed.), The SAGE encyclopedia of qualitative research methods (pp. 870-873). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. doi: 10.4135/9781412963909.n453