Theoretical framework

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The Theoretical
Framework
March
2007
(4)

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A theoretical framework is
analogous to the frame of the
house.
Just as the foundation supports a
house, a theoretical framework
provides a rationale for
predictions about the

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Theory
A theory is a set of interrelated constructs,
definitions, and propositions that present a
systematic view of phenomena by specifying
relations among variables, with the purpose of
explaining and predicting the phenomena.
Constructs are concepts adapted for a
scientific purpose
Through research, scientists can develop,
modify, or evaluate theories.

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Theory
Theories are generated by using inductive
processes
A deductive approach is used to evaluate
and modify existing theory by testing
predictions about relationships between
observed phenomena

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Framework
 It provides a context for examining a problem i.e.
theoretical rationale for:
 Developing hypotheses
 A frame 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

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Process of Hypothesis
Generation
Theory
Concept Concept Concept
Proposition Proposition
Hypothesis
Hypotheses should express relationships between
variables in an unambiguous, precise manner, and they
should be based on the propositions that evolved from
the theoretical framework

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Testing the Hypotheses
 Testing the hypothesis involves:
 Selecting the individual subjects to participate in
the study
 Using instruments that will validly and reliably
measure the variables
 Developing a method of systematically collecting
the information needed to test hypothesized
relationships
 Selecting statistical measures that will determine
the extent and meaning or significance of the
relationships

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Framework as a Guide in a
Research Study
The outcomes of the study must be viewed in
terms of their support or lack of support of
the chosen theoretical rationale
The theoretical framework plays an important
role in guiding the entire process of the
research study

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Framework as a Guide in a
Research Study
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

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How to Develop a Theoretical
Framework
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
A relationship may be:
a. invariable = scientific law e.g. laws of motion
No known contradiction has been observed
b. tentative or inconclusive = relationship that
does not convey truth or falsity
Laws and hypotheses are types of
propositions

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How to Develop a Theoretical
Framework
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
Some concepts are easily defined in operational
terms, e.g. pulse, other concepts are more difficult to
define operationally, e.g. coping

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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

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Types of Theories & Types of
Research
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

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Types of Theories & Types of
Research
Explanatory theories “specify relations
among the dimensions or
characteristics of individuals,
groups, situations, or events
Explanatory theories are tested by
using correlational research

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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

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Theories or Frameworks to
Research
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

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Theories or Frameworks to
Research
Theories unique to nursing help
nursing define how it is different from
other disciplines
The central phenomena of interest to
nursing are persons, environment,
health & nursing

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Critiquing the theoretical
framework
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?

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Critiquing the theoretical
framework
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?

Theoretical framework

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