THEORETICAL/ CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK BY; Prof. Mahendra Lamba Sandra S hroff ROFEL College of Nursing, Vapi
MEANING OF THEORY “A theory is a set of interrelated construct (concepts), definitions and propositions ( a statement that expresses a opinion) that present a systemic view of phenomenon by specifying relations among variables with the purpose of explaining and predicting the phenomenon.” - Kelinger 1973
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK The theoretical framework is a collection of interrelated concepts that represent a piece of theory to be examined as the basis from research studies. It presents a broad, general explanation of the relationship between the concepts of the research study based on an existing study.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Conceptual framework represent ways of thinking about a problem. It deals with abstractions ( concepts) that are assembled from a common theme.
DEFINATION A written or visual presentation that “explains either graphically or by narration, the main things to be studied – the key factors, concepts or variables - and the presumed relationship among them”. (Miles and Huberman , 1994 )
A Conceptual framework provides a logical, unified and orderly way of seeing related events or processes that relevant to a study/ research and less formal than theories. It can be : Basic or elaborative, Theory driven or commonsensical , Descriptive or casual (Miles, and Huberman )
It broadly presents understanding of the phenomenon of interest and reflects the assumptions (accepted as true without proof) and philosophic view of the designer. It is researcher’s own position on the problem the way the researcher shapes it together.
What it does? Conceptual frameworks serve like a flexible spring board for theory development. CF shows the relationship of the stated hypotheses with central factors or key concepts. Part of CF offers a synopsis of the study's main points.
Each framework highlights or emphasizes different aspects of a problem or research question. Any one conceptual framework presents only a partial view of reality. Focuses attention on and amplify certain elements of a problem like using a magnifying glass
P u rpo s e s P r o v id e s a n o r g a n i zing s t r u c t u r e f o r t h e research design and methods. Useful to prepare research proposal using experimental or descriptive methods. Guides the development and testing of interventions and hypotheses.
Ingredients A conceptual framework is composed of concepts and the relational linkages between them ( called propositional statements) Concepts abstractly describes and names an object or phenomenon, thus providing it with separate identity or meaning. It is actually the intellectual representation of some aspect of reality, derived from observations made from phenomenon.
Concepts Basic elements Relational statement as propositions ( a statement that expresses a opinion)
Concept synthesis Process of describing and naming a previously unrecognized concept E g . S y n thesi s to identify and define the concept stress . Concept derivation Meanings are derived from other disciplines may be modified and carefully evaluated to fit in the nursing knowledge
Conceptual analysis A strategy through a set of characteristics essential to the suggestive meaning of a concept is identified . A strategy that involves examining the attributes \ characteristics of a concept. -Walker & Avant 1983
Its a philosophical inquiry; Researcher explores various ways the term is used and try to identify set of characteristics that can be used to describe the concept. How? By × search of literature × personal experience and thought × Reasoning - Walker & Avant 1985
Types of concepts According to Level of abstraction: Abstract concepts or theoretical concepts Empirical or descriptive concepts
According to level of categorization: Global or domain concepts Middle range concepts Empirical concepts
Concepts are important because they provide a road map Give the big picture ideas (the concepts) up front, and then fit in the smaller facts and details Provide the context for the researcher
Next steps is to state Relations with concepts . ? Relational statement- declares that a relationship of some kind exists between two or more concepts. (Walker & Avant 1980)
Importance of relational statements Core of frame work Relational statement are tested through research. Relational statements determines the Objectives Research questions and hypothesis Research design Statistical analysis Type of findings expecte d
Special features It describes Direction Shape Strength Symmetry Sequencing Probability of occurrence Necessity Sufficiency
What inputs go into developing a conceptual framework? Experiential knowledge of researcher and supervisor Literature review Technical knowledge. Research background. Personal experience. Data