ABSTRACT
Research – and the teaching of research – play an important role in addressing complex issues that matter. The decisions scholars make have a tremendous bearing on what questions are asked, the information gathered, how data are analyzed, and the recommendations for change provided to stakeholders. Specifically, theoretical decisions matter and are quite personal (this is true for qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, historical methods, and/or approaches that extend beyond these labels). Why? Theoretical and conceptual frameworks are the lenses – or the eyeglasses – through which scholars view the research design from beginning to end. Theory is not to be abandoned during analysis and/or discussions but is an integral part of the entire approach.
This chapter explores theoretical and conceptual frameworks and their role in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research including: (1) distinguishing between the two, (2) unpacking assumptions about theories and their origins, and (3) choosing a congruent framework in alignment with one’s onto-epistemological paradigm, research questions, and research design. The interactive small-group activity emphasizes the role of theory throughout a qualitative research study, including how it congruently connects to a researcher’s methodological approaches, methods for collection, methods for analyses, and trustworthiness.
