MELJUN CORTES research seminar_1__theoretical_framework_2nd_updated

Developing the
theoretical and
conceptual framework

Theory
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.

Formulating the Theoretical
Framework
The theoretical framework of the study is a structure
that can hold or support a theory of a research work.
It presents the theory which explains why the
problem under study exists.
Thus, the theoretical framework is but a theory that
serves as a basis for conducting research.

Formulating the Theoretical Framework
Purpose:
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.

For example:
Media Organization, Selection, and Production. McQuail’s
theory on media as an institution takes into account all forces
that affect media’s performance. (After: Littlejohn, 1992)
Basic theory 1
Thesis examines the gatekeeping, news selection and
reportage of world news in leading Philippine dailies
and primetime newscasts.

For example:
Basic theory 2
Selective Gatekeeping. Galtung and Ruge selective
gatekeeping theory suggests that news from around the world
are evaluated using news values to determine their
newsworthiness. (After Mc Quail and Windahl 1993, p. 166)

For example:
Basic theory 3
Model of the Agenda Setting Theory. Malcolm McCombs and
Donald Shaw’s theory simply states that the issues given most
attention by the media will be perceived as the most
important. (Before: McQuail and Windahl 1993)

For example:
Combined theory
Integrated Theoretical Framework. The integrated theoretical
framework shows how media content is shaped by pressures to
the media organization, selective gatekeeping and agenda
setting.

Based on the foregoing example, how should the
theoretical framework formulated?
specifies the theory used as basis for the study
mentions the proponents of the theory
cites the main points emphasized in the theory
Supports his exposition of the theory by ideas from
other experts;
illustrates his theoretical framework by means of a
diagram; and,
reiterates his theoretical proposition in the study.

Concept
After formulating the theoretical framework, the
researcher has to develop the conceptual framework of
the study.
A concept is an image or symbolic representation of an
abstract idea. Chinn and Kramer (1999) define a concept
as a “complex mental formulation of experience”.
While the theoretical framework is the theory on which
the study is based, the conceptual framework is the
operationalization of the theory.

Conceptual framework
It is the researcher’s own position on the problem and
gives direction to the study.
It may be an adaptation of a model used in a previous
study, with modifications to suit the inquiry.
Aside from showing the direction of the study, through
the conceptual framework, the researcher can be able
to show the relationships of the different constructs that
he wants to investigate.

Conceptual Framework. News values, and the pressures and
constraints shape the newspapers and television newscasts. The
result of this relationship is selective reporting of events.
Conceptual Framework

Operational Framework. Foreign news sections of Philippine
newspapers and foreign news segments of television newscasts
are shaped by the interests of owners, editorial policies,
audience and advertisements. The criteria for selection of
foreign news, the news values, also affect the foreign news
coverage. These factors result in unequal treatment of stories
and paved way for the dominance of some topics and of some
regions in foreign news coverage of media.

Based on the foregoing example, how should the
conceptual framework formulated?
cite your conceptual framework or paradigm;
Identify your variables;
Point out the dependent and intervening variables;
Show the direction of the study.
Once the conceptual framework has been determined,
the next for the researcher is to determine what
research methods to employ to best answer the
research problem through the proposed framework.

Research design depends on the nature of the data
to analyzed.
Quantitative data – when your thesis problem
requires numerical measurements of traits, trends,
characteristics or attributes of the subject matter;
Analysis leads researcher to:
depict what is typical and atypical among the data;
show the degree of difference or relationship between
two or more variables;
determine the likelihood that the findings are real for
the population as opposed to having occurred only by
chance in the sample.

Qualitative data – when your thesis problem focuses
on the meanings, perceptions, symbols or
description of the subject matter.
Analysis leads researcher to:
observe behaviors, situations, interactions and
environments;
scrutinize these observations for patterns and
categories;
answer research questions based on what can be
deduced from the findings.

IS/IT RESEARCH
Theoretical Framework for

IS research involves the study of the
application of IT to organizations and
society.
The goals are (1) to promote the acquisition
of knowledge, and (2) to document how
individuals, groups, organizations and
society can use IS and technology more
efficiently and effectively.

Nunamaker’s Multi-methodological
Approach to IS Research
Software Engineering Research
Methodology (SERM)
DAGS Framework (Adams, 2009)
Task-Technology Fit Theory (TTF)

Nunamaker’s Multi-methodological
Approach to IS Research
“a research methodology consists of the
combination of the process, methods and
tools that are used in conducting research in
a research domain.” (Nunamaker as cited in
Adams, 2009)
Research strategies is composed of: (1)
observation, (2) theory building, (3) systems
development, and (4) experimentation.

Nunamaker’s Multi-methodological Approach to IS Research

Research Life Cycle
Theory building
Experimentation
Observation
Systems Development

Research Model
Theory Building involves:
Development of new ideas and concepts
Conceptual Frameworks
Models
Mathematical
Simulation
Data
Methods

Theory Building Models
Usually concerned with generic system
behaviors
Subjected to rigorous analysis
Mathematical models often have
constraining assumptions which limit
applicability of models
Often display limited practical relevance to
the target domain

Relevance of a Theory
Refers to potential insights and impacts on
practical applications
Theory building or basic research
contributes to the body of knowledge in a
research domain but produces no system
that takes advantage of this new knowledge

Theories May Be Used to
Suggest
Research hypotheses
Guide design of experiments
Conduct systematic observations

Experimentation
Laboratory and field experiments
Computer and experimental simulations
Concerns itself with validation of underlying
theories

Experimental Designs Are:
Guided by theories and
Facilitated by systems development
Used to refine theories and improve
systems

Observation
Research methodologies
Case studies
Field studies
Sample studies unobtrusively obtained
Used to get a general feel for what is
involved

Observation
Helps to formulate hypotheses to be tested
in experimentation or to focus later
investigations
Insights are gained in natural, more holistic
settings, relevant to domain studied

31
Researchers are expected
to report sufficient
contextual and
environmental conditions
to enable judgment of
limitations

It is extremely important that
other research methodologies be
employed to support systems
development efforts
32
Software system by itself is not sufficient to
prove anything scientifically relevant.

Utilizing Different Research
Methodologies in System
Development
Systems development is the hub of
research
Interacts with other research to form an
integrated and dynamic research program
No one research methodology is
preeminent

Where multiple research
methodologies are applicable,
they appear to be
complimentary, providing
valuable feedback
to one another
34

35
Research
Process
Body of
Knowledge
Apply valid
Research
Methodologies
Understand
the
Research
Domains
Knowledge of
Research
Domains
+
+
Knowledge of
Research
Methodologies
Results
contribute
to the
body of
knowledge
FRAMEWORK OF RESEARCH

System Development
Research Process
Develop a
System Architecture
Analyze &
Design the System
Build the
(Prototype) System
Observe & Evaluate
The System
Construct a
Conceptual Framework

Research Issues in
Design Science

Construct a Conceptual
Framework
State a meaningful question
Investigate the system functionalities and
requirements
Understand the system building
processes/procedures
Study relevant disciplines for new
approaches and ideas

Develop a System Architecture
Develop a unique architecture design for
extensibility, modularity, etc.
Define functionalities of system components
and interrelationships among them

Analyze & Design the System
Design the database/knowledge base
schema and processes to carry out system
functions
Develop alternative solutions and choose
one solution

Build the System
Learn through the system building process
about:
Concepts
Framework
Design
Gain insights about the problems and the
complexity of the system

Observe & Evaluate the System
Observe the use of the system by
experiments, case studies and field studies
Evaluate the system by laboratory
experiments or field experiments
Develop new theories/models based on the
observation and experimentation of the
system’s usage
Consolidate experiences learned

In Concluding…
Building a system
in and of itself does
not constitute
research
43

Design Science Is
Credible As a Research
Methodology
As just one of many
methodologies
44

Methodology
Based on the three phases of the software
engineering methodology: conceptual,
formal, and developmental.
Conceptual phase
Primary activity where the theoretical foundation
of the research effort is defined.
Dependent on the clarity with which problems
are articulated, and the understandability and
translatability of the concepts identified.
Software Engineering Research Methodology

Methodology
Formalization phase
Concerned with the application of mathematical
or logic based techniques to describe, develop
and verify a software system.
The use of which reduces the possibility of
misconceptions and misunderstandings.

Methodology
Development phase
Concerned with prototyping.
Prototype allows researchers to study the
validity of their solution by studying system
performance in a controlled environment.

DAGS Framework
Integrates design science, action
research, grounded theory and
system development methodologies in
leveraging information technology

Design Science
Described by R. Buckminister Fuller (as cited
in Adams, 2009) as
“The function of what I call design science is to solve
problems by introducing into the
environment new artifacts, the availability of
which will induce their spontaneous employment by
humans and thus, coincidentally, cause humans to
abandon their previous problem-producing behaviors
and devices.”

Design Science
Applied research or research that applies
knowledge to solve practical problems
(Nunamaker 1991)
Attempts to create things that serve human
purposes, as opposed to natural and social
sciences, which try to understand reality.
(March and Smith 1995)
A problem solving paradigm that seeks to
create innovations (Hevner 2004)

Design Science
March and Smith (1994) characterized
design science products or outputs as being
four types:
Constructs
Models
Methods
Instantiations

Design Science
Constructs – concepts form the vocabulary
of a domain. They constitute a
conceptualization used to describe problems
within the domain and to specify their
solutions.
Models – a set of propositions or statements
expressing relationships among constructs.
Models represent a situation as problem and
solution statements.

Design Science
Methods – a set of steps (algorithms) used
to perform a task. Methods are based on a
set of underlying constructs (language) and a
representation (model) of the solution space.
Instantiations – an implementation is the
realization of an artifact in its environment, an
instantiation that operationalizes constructs,
models and methods.

Action Research
Qualitative approaches to IS research are
gaining acceptance as a valid research
methodology.
Action research is a popular and accepted
methodology primarily because it associates
research and practice, research informs
practice and practice informs research
synergistically.

Action Research
Conceived as an approach in studying social
psychology within the framework of field theory.
Over a dozen different manifestations have been
identified, characterized by different models,
structures and goals.
Susman and Evered (1978) detailed a five phase
cyclical process requiring the establishment of a
client-system research environment.

Grounded Theory
Designed to cultivate an integrated set of concepts
that offer a thorough theoretical explanation of the
social phenomena under study.
Grounded theory is an inductive, theory discovery
methodology that allows the researcher to develop
a theoretical account of the general features of a
topic while simultaneously grounding the account
in empirical observations or data.

Grounded Theory
It implies that theory must be developed from
a systematic analysis of empirical data.
The objective is the discovery of a
theoretically comprehensive explanation
about the phenomenon using techniques and
analytical procedures that enable
investigators to develop a theory that is
significant, generalizable, reproducible and
rigorous.

Elements of Grounded Theory
Three basic elements of grounded theory:
concepts, categories, and propositions.
Concepts – basic unit of analysis since it is from
conceptualization of data that theories are
developed.
Categories – more abstract than the concepts
they represent.
Propositions – indicators of the generalized
relationship between a category and its concepts
between discrete categories.

(Events) Grounded Theory
Procedures and Cannons (Corbin and
Strauss, 1990)
Data Collection and Analysis are Interrelated
Processes
Concepts are the Basic Units of Analysis
Categories are the Basic Units of Analysis
Sampling in Grounded Theory proceeds on
Theoretical Grounds
Analysis makes use of Constant Comparisons

(Events) Grounded Theory
Patterns and Variations must be Accounted for
Process Must Be Built into the Theory
Writing Theoretical Memorandums is an integral
part of doing Grounded Theory
Hypotheses about relationships among
categories should be developed and verified as
much as possible during the research process
A grounded theorist need not work alone
Broader structural conditions must be analyzed,
however microscopic the research.

(Building Theory) Grounded
Theory
Developed for the purpose of studying
social phenomena using a systematic set of
data collection and analysis procedures to
develop inductively derived theory from the
data.
Theory construction process (Charmaz,
2002): (1) Coding and Categorizing, (2)
Memo-writing, (3) Theoretical Sampling

System Development
Primary purpose is to add to the body of
knowledge about the creation and
evaluation of software design, development
and implementation issues by investigating
“all aspects of the software development
process, including software formulation,
implementation, description, evolution,
modeling and evaluation.”

System Development
Study the effective design, delivery, use and
impact of information technology in
organizations and society.
A variety of approaches and methodologies
have been employed and are categorized
into four generally accepted research
approaches (Morrison and George, 1995).

System Development
Formulative research - development and
refinement of theories, models or frameworks
that guide research activities and support
scientific progress through paradigm shifts.
Evaluative research - methodologies that
employ the scientific method and normally
consist of theory or model generation or
observation followed by hypothesis generation
and testing.

System Development
Descriptive research – the development and
description of theories or models to provide the
input for developing units of theory, its laws of
interaction, system states and model
boundaries.
Developmental research – generation of
knowledge for examining or solving general
problems.

System Development Research
Methodology
An age-old method and process that
humans used to study nature and to create
new products.
Nunamaker argue that the synthesis and
expression of new technologies and new
concepts in a tangible product can act as
both contribution to both basic and applied
research.

System Development Research
Methodology
Methodology is the philosophy of the
research process
Researcher identifies research problems and
related research questions;
Develops and evaluates a software prototype
Evaluation of results may suggest revision of
prototype concepts, requirements, and
architecture, design and implementation
considerations.

Task-Technology Fit Theory
Dependent factors: individual performance,
system utilization
Independent factors: task characteristics,
technology characteristics
TTF theory holds that IT is more likely to have
a positive impact on individual performance
and be used if the capabilities of the IT match
the tasks that the user must perform
(Goodhue and Thompson, 1995)
Task-Technology Fit Theory (Goodhue and Thompson, 1995)

Measure of task-technology fit:
Quality
Locatability
Authorization
Compatibility
Ease of use/training
Production timeliness
Systems reliability
Relationship with users
Factors are measured
using between two and
ten questions with
responses on a seven
point scale ranging from
strongly disagree to
strongly agree.

TTF measure is found to be a significant
predictor of user reports of improved job
performance and effectiveness that was
attributable to their use of the system under
investigation.

References
Adams, Lascelles A. (2009) “DAGS: An Information System Design
Research Framework Supporting the Design, Development and
Delivery of More Effective Information Systems”. (Doctoral
Dissertation)
Nunamaker, J.F. Jr., Chen, M., Purdin, T.D. (1991) “Systems
Development in Information Systems Research”, Journal of
Management Information Systems.
York University. “Theories Used in IS Research - Task Technology Fit”
(http://www.istheory.yorku.ca/tasktechnologyfit.htm last accessed Sep
8, 2013)
IS Theory (list of IS theories as compiled by BYU) (
http://istheory.byu.edu/wiki/Main_Page)

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