conceptualandtheoreticalframework-131027084441-phpapp02

Theoretical & Conceptual Frame-work As blue print of a house -Theoretical Frame-work -Conceptual Frame-work 1

Theory Theories are constructed in order to explain, predict Theories are and master phenomena (e.g. relationships, events, or the behavior). In many instances we are constructing models of reality.

 A theory makes makes generalizations generalizations about observations and consists of an interrelated, coherent set of ideas and models.

2

3

Theories   are generated  by using i n d u c t i v e  p r o c e s s e s  

 A d e d u c t i v e  a p p r o a c h   is used to evaluate and modify existing theory by t e s t i n g  p r e d i c t i o n s    about relationships between observed phenomena

4

It

provides a context for examining a problem i.e. theoretical r a t i o n a l e  f o r :  

Developing  A frame

hypotheses

of reference/base for

Observations  Definitions of concepts  Research designs  Interpretations  Generalizations 

Serves

as a guide to systematically identify logical, precisely defined relationships among variables

5

The theoretical framework plays an important role in guiding the entire process of the research study 



6

Theories are constructed in order to explain, predict and master phenomena (e.g. relationships, events, or the behavior). In many instances we are constructing models of reality.  A theory makes generalizations about observations and consists of an interrelated, coherent set of ideas and models.

If the framework is logically sound and substantiated by previous research studies, there is a strong possibility that the predictions or hypotheses evolving from that framework will be supported In some cases, a theoretical rationale in inappropriately used. e.g. a theory is designed to explain a particular behavior in infants may not be appropriate for the study of those behaviors in adults 7

Formulating the Theoretical Framework Purpose: •

•

•

8

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.

conceptual framework 

9

 A conceptual framework is used in research to outline possible courses of action or to present a preferred approach to an idea or thought.

1. Select concepts a concept is an image or symbolic representation of an abstract idea. e.g. health, pain, intelligence …

2. Identify the interrelationships among concepts

10

3.Formulating definitions : to develop a theoretical framework that can generate and test hypotheses, concepts must be clearly defined  A. Conceptual definition … conveys the general meaning of the concept B. Operational definition … adds another dimension to the conceptual definition by delineating the procedures or operations required to measure the concept

S o m e c o n c e p t s a r e ea s i l y d e f i n e d i n o p e r at i o n a l t e r m s , e .g . p u l s e , o t h e r c o n c e p t s a r e m o r e d i f f i c u l t t o d e f in e o p e r at i o n a ll y , e.g . c o p i n g

11

12

4.

Formulating the theoretical rationale



Through the literature review, an investigator becomes aware of or confirms identified theoretical connections between variables



In evaluating the formulation of the theoretical rationale, the internal structures, such as concepts and their definitions, should have clarity and continuity, and the approach to understanding phenomena, whether inductive or deductive, should be logical

Theories may describe a particular phenomenon, explain relationships between or among phenomena, or predict  how one phenomenon affects another Descriptive theories “describe or classify specific dimensions or characteristics of individuals, groups, situations, or events by summarizing the commonalities found in discrete observations To test descriptive theories, researchers conduct descriptive research studies

13

Explanatory theories “specify relations

among the dimensions or characteristics of individuals, groups, situations, or events Explanatory theories are tested by using correlational research

14

Predictive theories are intended to predict “precise

relationships between the dimensions or characteristics of a phenomenon or differences between groups”

Predictive theories are tested through Experimental or quasi-experimental research designs

15

When developing a theoretical framework for nursing research studies, knowledge is acquired through:  Disciplines

other than nursing and borrowed for the purpose of answering nursing questions

 Identifying

and asking questions about phenomena that are unique to nursing

16

T h eo r i es u n i q u e to n u r s i n g h el p n u r s i n g d ef i n e h o w i t i s d i f f er en t f r o m o t h e r d i s c i p l i n e s T h e c en t r a l p h e n o m en a o f i n t e r es t t o n u r s i n g a r e p e r s o n s , en v i r o n m en t , h e al t h & n u r s i n g

17

1. Is the theoretical framework clearly identified? 2. Is the theoretical framework consistent with what is being studied? 3.  Are the concepts clearly and operationally defined? Do they reflect the area of investigation? 4. Was sufficient literature reviewed to support the proposed relationships? 5. Is the theoretical basis for hypothesis formulation clearly articulated? Is it logical? 18

6.  Are the relationships among propositions clearly defined? 7. If the theory is borrowed from a discipline other than nursing, are the data related specifically to nursing? 8. Does the instrument used to measure the variables, consistent with the theoretical framework? 9.  Are the study findings related to the theoretical rationale? 19

Examples:

20

21

22

23

24

25