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Theoretical Frameworks

Although the term does not have a clear and consistent definition, theoretical framework is defined as any empirical or quasi-empirical theory of social and/or psychological processes, at a variety of levels (e.g., grand, mid-range, and explanatory), that can be applied to the understanding of phenomena. Qualitative research has often been criticized for not being guided by theory in its development and conduct. Additionally, students as well as experienced researchers who employ qualitative methods frequently have trouble identifying and using theoretical frameworks in their research (i.e., understanding how and what it affects in the process of conducting the research).

The confusion related to understanding and using theoretical frameworks stems from a wide variety of treatments of this topic by leading writers in the field. Many of the prominent writers on qualitative methods provide neither the depth of understanding nor the specificity needed to explicate the topic. In an attempt to address this confusion, this entry focuses on what has been written about the role of theory and theoretical frameworks in qualitative research, defining what a theoretical framework is, looking at how one finds and utilizes a theoretical framework in qualitative research, and addressing the effects of a theoretical framework on the research process.

What the Literature Says

While there is little disagreement about the role and place of theory in quantitative research, such is not the case regarding qualitative research. There is consensus neither about its role in qualitative research nor about its definition. Theory, though, has an unavoidable place for all but a few of the authors reviewed, and it plays a substantive role in the research process. An examination of the literature on this topic reveals three different understandings: (1) that theory has little relationship to qualitative research, (2) that theory in qualitative research relates to the methodology the researcher chooses to use and the epistemologies underlying that methodology, and (3) that theory in qualitative research has a pervasive role that affects all aspects of the research process. These categories of understandings are not exclusive, but help highlight the confusion that exists in the literature. Authors may lean toward more than one position. For example, an author may situate the role of theory within methodological paradigms, yet hint at the notion that theory has a much wider role to play. A brief review of each of these categories follows.

Theory Has Little Relationship

Some widely used textbooks do not discuss, nor even mention, theory in relation to qualitative research. Others mention theory, but confine the discussion to defining it as an attempt to develop a general explanation for some phenomenon or as primarily concerned with explanation. Several authors give short shrift to discussions of theory in qualitative research while acknowledging its relevance to a particular methodology. For example, in discussions of grounded theory, they hold that qualitative studies are done to discover theory because the researcher starts by collecting data and then searches for theoretical constructs, themes, and patterns that are “grounded” in the theory.

Theory as Related to Methodology

In sharp contrast to these works, where theory in relation to qualitative research is nonexistent or relatively modest, there is a substantive body of work that equates theory in qualitative research with the methodologies used in the conduct of the research and the epistemologies underlying these methods. These works are well known and are largely written about qualitative research specifically, rather than about research in general. Some authors in this category speak about theories emerging from naturalistic inquiry, not framing it.

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