FRAMING THE STUDY THEORETICALLY
3.4 What is a theoretical framework?
A theoretical framework is the structure that can support a theory of a research study. It generally introduces and describes the theory which explains why the research problem under investigation exists. In other words, it provides a particular lens through which to examine a topic. All frameworks are based on the identification of key concepts and the relationships among these concepts. According to Nazaro (2012) the theoretical framework is more formal and used for studies based on existing theories. They usually come from other disciplines such as economics, social sciences and anthropology and are used by historians and educationists to bring new dimensions of their topic to light. In fact, there are a large number and wide variety of theoretical frameworks available for qualitative researchers to consider when selecting a framework.
It is important to note that there is no right or wrong theoretical framework to use when examining a topic since every topic can be viewed from a number of different perspectives. In fact, Anfara and Mertz (2006) are of the opinion that experienced researchers, as well as students who employ qualitative methods often have trouble identifying and using theoretical
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frameworks in their research. This trouble is typically centred on finding a theoretical framework and understanding its pervasive effects on the process of conducting qualitative research.
Therefore, developing a theoretical framework that guides the logic of what you are doing in a thesis can be challenging. Bearing this in mind I personally found it extremely difficult to identify a suitable theoretical framework to underpin my study. Some of these struggles that I experienced will be shared and explained throughout the chapter. Initially, I struggled to understand that there are two domains in research – theory and observation. Theory can be referred to as what I as a researcher was actually thinking, while observation is what goes on in the real world where my data was generated. When I fully understood this and after much reading and discussion I realised that by having a good theory or set of theories is necessary.
In other words, by having a good theory it will guide every aspect of my study from formulation of the research questions and problem statement, through discussing the findings of my data analyses and writing the conclusions. Hence, my theoretical framework provides a well- supported rationale to conduct my study and will help the reader to understand my perspective.
Furthermore, my theoretical framework will assure the reader that the type of investigation I propose is not based solely on my personal instinct but rather informed by an established theory, which is ‘Symbolic Interactionism’. Hence, the research questions to which I am seeking answers contain important underlying assumptions related to my study. These assumptions are based on theory and logic. My task is to explicitly state the theory and attach this to most components of my study. Thus, a theoretical framework is foremost a theory that serves as a basis for conducting research.
In line with the above, my theoretical framework is a group of related ideas that provides guidance to the entire process of my research project. The appropriateness of my theoretical framework is to investigate how learners view history as a subject in the secondary phase of their schooling. Furthermore, my theoretical framework will strengthen my study.
79 3.5 Why is a theoretical framework needed?
Gilbert (2008) asserts that theoretical frameworks, when properly handled, can enrich and enhance the research. Furthermore, the framework has implications for every decision made in the research process. Therefore, they are needed and serve an important purpose in a study. In fact, no matter how little one thinks they know about a topic, and how unbiased one may think they are, it is impossible for a human not to have preconceived notions, even if they are of a very general nature (Borgatti, 1999). These preconceived notions about human nature affect the way we look at things when doing research. In this sense the researcher is always being guided by a theoretical framework even without noticing it at times. Hence, not knowing what your real framework is, can be a problem and lead to much confusion and uncertainty.
Gilbert (2008) further argues that theoretical frameworks can be crucial in shaping the ways in which we investigate the world. They highlight particular features of the world as significant;
they direct our attention towards certain forms of behaviour and they suggest certain kinds of research questions. In fact, some theoretical frameworks will have a relatively direct influence on the kinds of research methods we use, for example symbolic interactionism’s interest in the ways in which people interact and construct meaning within particular settings, determines that qualitative methods which focus on behaviour in its natural context will be most appropriate.
However, some frameworks may have a less direct link to method. Therefore, Gilbert (2008), states that the strength of the links between particular frameworks and particular methods, varies considerably. Nevertheless, each framework will, at a deeper level, exert a profound influence on the design, orientation and character of the study. This was also true in the case of this study where symbolic interactionism exerted a major influence on the character of the study.
In line with Herek’s (2010) thinking my theoretical framework will strengthen my study in the sense that an explicit statement of theoretical assumptions will allow the reader to evaluate them critically. Also the framework will connect me to existing knowledge. Furthermore, articulating the theoretical assumptions of my research study, forced me to address questions of how and why. Moreover, having a theory helped me to identify the limits of generalisations.
A theoretical framework for this study specifies which variables influence learners’ views of
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school history and alerts me to examine how those key variables might differ and under what circumstances. Hence, a theoretical framework is needed as it serves an important role in guiding my study.
The theoretical framework selected for this study as mentioned above is ‘Symbolic Interactionism’ which is appropriate and is needed to guide me as the researcher. It relates to the philosophical basis (my reasoning) on which the research takes place, and forms the link between the theoretical aspects and practical components of the investigation undertaken. The main purpose of my theoretical framework is to help me make my research findings meaningful. Furthermore, it will help me to establish orderly connections between observations and facts and to predict and control situations. Finally, it will assist in stimulating my research.