3. Learning Objectives
By the end of the session, students will be able
to:
Identify the purpose of a theoretical
framework
Distinguish between a theoretical
perspective, theoretical framework, and
conceptual framework
Identify additional resources to explore this
topic
3
4. Vocabulary* - Qualitative Research
Epistemology
Ontology
Theoretical Perspective
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
Feminist Theory
Critical Theory/Critical
Race Theory
Queer Theory
Worldviews
Multiple Truths
Participants
Trustworthiness
Postmodern
Postpositivist
*Some, not all
4
5. Briefly …
Worldview
Epistemology
Assumptions about the acquisition of knowledge
Ontology
Assumptions about the nature of reality
Methodology/Method
Not used consistently in research
In this class
Methodology (guides the research design)
Method (research design)
5
6. Some Theoretical Perspectives
6
Critical Theory/Critical Race Theory
Queer Theory
Feminist Theory
Postmodernism
Intersectionality
8. Theoretical Framework
8
Anchors the study
Frames the research questions,data collection
(interview questions, for example), and data
analysis
Concepts, suppositions, and ideas from a
theory that guide your thinking
Examples:
Baxter Magolda: self-authorship
Satir: personal change
Chickering & Reisser: student development
Bandura: self-efficacy
9. An example
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The purpose of the study is to explore the ways
first-generation graduate student develop and
demonstrate self-efficacy.
Theoretical framework: Bandura’s self-
efficacy; the study might also use resiliency
theory
Theoretical perspective: Varies with the
researcher, but could be post-modern, critical
theory, critical race theory, feminist theory,
etc. (or even a combination of perspectives)
10. Resources
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Handbook of Qualitative Research – Denzin &
Lincoln
Landscape of Qualitative Research – Denzin &
Lincoln
Narrative Inquiry – Lincoln & Guba
Negotiating the Complexities of Qualitative
Research – Jones, Torres, & Arminio
11. Resources
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Black Feminist Thought – P. Hill Collins
Critical race theory – D. Solórzano
Handouts on Sakai
Alicia Chávez (article on Sakai)