003a wk2 reply | Social Science homework help

BY DAY 6 OF WEEK 1 AND WEEK 2

Respond to 
at least two of your peers by identifying something you learned from reading their definition of frameworks or asking a follow-up question.

LINDA

Defining Framework

In research, frameworks refer to structured models or concepts that provide a theoretical foundation for understanding and investigating complex phenomena. They serve as overarching guides that aid researchers in organizing their thoughts, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The selection of an appropriate framework is crucial, as it helps researchers contextualize the problem they aim to address and provides a structured approach to dissecting the underlying elements of that problem.

The connection between a research problem and a chosen framework is pivotal. The framework offers a lens through which researchers can view the problem’s dimensions and relationships. It serves as a roadmap, allowing researchers to identify critical variables, concepts, and their interconnections. Imenda (2014) highlighted the connection, emphasizing the role of frameworks in guiding researchers in conceptualizing and shaping their studies. Wade (2016) highlights this connection through her interpretative phenomenological analysis study on homeless shelter volunteerism, where the framework assists in interpreting the experiences and motivations of volunteers.

The terms for the framework are “theoretical” and “conceptual” used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences. Both aids in structuring research, but theoretical frameworks are more specific and focus on established theories, while conceptual frameworks are broader and involve constructing a new perspective on the phenomenon. Imenda (2014) delves into this distinction, highlighting that theoretical frameworks are grounded in existing theories, while conceptual frameworks involve new concepts or models that can potentially lead to the development of theories.

Focusing on a single framework offers several benefits. It enhances clarity and consistency throughout the research process, ensuring that all study aspects align with the chosen perspective. It prevents confusion and allows for a deep exploration of the chosen viewpoint. Additionally, using a single framework maintains the coherence of the research and facilitates the effective communication of findings. However, ensuring that the selected framework is well-suited for the research problem and encompasses its intricacies is essential.

Frameworks in research serve as navigational tools that aid in comprehending complex problems. They establish connections between the research problem and the chosen perspective, guiding the investigation. The distinction between theoretical and conceptual frameworks lies in their level of specificity and origin. Utilizing a single framework streamlines the research process and fosters coherence (Imenda, 2014; Wade, 2016), and Walden University’s resources collectively emphasize it.

Reference

Imenda, S. (2014). Is there a conceptual difference between theoretical and conceptual frameworks? Journal of Social Sciences Download Journal of Social Sciences, 38(2), 185–195. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/ld.php?content_id=41503706

Wade, J. A. (2016). Initial and long-term homeless shelter volunteerism: An interpretative phenomenological analysis studyLinks to an external site. [Doctoral dissertation, Walden University]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.

Walden University Office of Research and Doctoral Services. (n.d.). Doctoral prospectus formLinks to an external site. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/research-center/program-documents/doctoral-prospectus-form

MOZETTA

        Ravitch and Riggan ,2017 as cited by Burkholder, G. J., Cox, K. A., Crawford, L. M., & Hitchcock, J. H. (2019) have argued that a conceptual framework is an argument for the study and that argument has two parts. The first part states the argument demonstrates alignment among research questions. Secondly, Ravitch and Riggan, 2017 as cited by Burkholder, et al. (2019) took a stance that the argument demonstrates alignment among research questions, data collection, and data analysis, as well as the use of rigorous procedures to conduct the study.  As According to Ravitch and Reggan, 2017 as cited by Burkholder et al. 2019 the development of research questions, design selection, data collection, data analysis, and presentation of findings is formed and described by the conceptual framework.   According to Ravitch and Riggan 2017 as cited by Burkholder et al, 2019, theoretical framework is defined as a thing that is being supported in the relationships embedded in the conceptual framework. Ravitch and Riggan (2017) argue that the parts are forma theories; [sic} those that emerge from and have been explored using empirical work.

             Imenda, S. (2014) explained that conceptual and theoretical frameworks refer to the epistemological paradigm a researcher uses to look at a given research problem. Imenda reported that the scope of conceptual frameworks is usually applicable only to the specific research problem for which it was created.  Additionally, Imenda presented that theoretical frameworks tend to have a much wider scope of use beyond one research problem and are referred to as application theories.

              Imenda, S. (2014) has shared that although theoretical and conceptual frameworks serve as the lens to see the world, they place boundaries on one’s vision and horizon.  Imenda expanded on this though by stating that there are differences between them, conceptually, methodologically and about the scope of their application   According to Burkholder et al, 2019 the conceptual framework introduces the structure of the study, and the theoretical framework that is contained within the conceptual framework explores the relationships that are examined within the study.  

        I am challenged with reviewing mounds of literature in hopes using this as a guide to choose a framework. I learned in Residency 2 that theoretical frameworks are found in quantitative studies and conceptual frameworks are commonly found in qualitative research. My goal is to let this process guide me to the framework.

                                                                References

Burkholder, G. J., Cox, K. A., Crawford, L. M., & Hitchcock, J. H. (2019). Research Design and Methods. SAGE Publications, Inc. (US). 
https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781544342375
Links to an external site.

Imenda, S. (2014). Is there a conceptual difference between theoretical and conceptual frameworks? 

Journal of Social Sciences

 Download Journal of Social Sciences, 38(2), 185–195. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/ld.php?content_id=41503706

Walden University. (2020c). What is a conceptual framework? [Video]. Walden University Canvas. https://waldenu.instructure.com
Note: The approximate length of this video is 4 minutes.

Walden University. (2020a). 

Framework

 Download Framework. Walden University Canvas. 
https://waldenu.instructure.com

Walden University Library. (n.d.-b). 

Theories and frameworks: Introduction.Links to an external site.
Links to an external site.

https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/theory/introduction
Links to an external site.

 
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/conceptualframework
Links to an external site.

Walden University Library. (n.d.-a). 

Library guide to capstone literature review: Theorists & theoretical sources.Links to an external site.
Links to an external site.

 https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/doctoral/literaturereview/theorists