progress. Another reason is that for a long time, qualitative research, the toolkit of theories in the social sciences, has been considered inferior and weak in scientific research. Still another reason is that authors tend to situate qualitative research’s beginnings in the 1920s or 1960s, while leaving aside important social theorists.
The three theories we have discussed so far in this paper are examples of the possible theories a qualitative researcher might use. Box 2 provides some further examples of other theories that have been used in qualitative research studies in domains related to medicine. Box 2 More examples of theories used in qualitative research
Theories such as interactionism, phenomenology, and critical theory can be used to help design a research question, guide the selection of relevant data, interpret the data, and propose explanations of causes or influences Previous articles in this series have addressed several methodologies used in qualitative research. Qualitative researchers also rely heavily on theories drawn from the ...
Qualitative research is “ an umbrella term used to designate a family of approaches that emphasize inductive reasoning, collecting data in natural settings, and understanding participants ...
In qualitative research, conflict theory provides a framework to understand power dynamics, oppression, and social inequality. It prompts researchers to investigate how conflicts shape social interactions, institutions, and norms. Adopting a conflict theory perspective allows qualitative researchers to illuminate power struggles and social ...
Complexity: Some frameworks are complex and require a deep understanding of the underlying theory. Flexibility: Qualitative research often requires flexibility, which can be constrained by a rigid theoretical framework. Strategies for Selecting a Theoretical Framework. To overcome these challenges, researchers can use the following strategies:
The use of theory in science is an ongoing debate in the production of knowledge. Related to qualitative research methods, a variety of approaches have been set forth in the literature using the terms conceptual framework, theoretical framework, paradigm, and epistemology.
Use of theory in qualitative research. Research without theory is blind, and theory without research is empty. (Bourdieu & Wacquant, 1992: p. 162) “Theory is integral to the practice of qualitative research in health” (Liamputtong & Ezzy, 2004: p. 13). It is necessary for sense-making, to interpret and explain seemingly disparate data.
Moving forward by looking back: Reclaiming unconventional research contexts and samples in organizational scholarship. Academy of Management Journal, 53: 665–671. Google Scholar; Bansal, P., & Corley, K. 2011. The coming of age for qualitative research: Embracing the diversity of qualitative methods. Academy of Management Journal, 54: 233–237.
Grounded theory focuses on developing a theory grounded in the data collected. Steps: Open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. ... Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation. Jossey-Bass. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using Thematic Analysis in Psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology.
Willis and colleagues explore theories in their paper The essential role of social theory in qualitative public health research. 8 They posit that social theory assists researchers to generalise results beyond their particular research group, and that ‘theories provide structured interpretations or models for investigating and understanding a ...
Qualitative researchers also rely heavily on theories drawn from the social sciences and humanities to guide their research process and illuminate their findings.
With Norman K. Denzin’s death on 6 August 2023, the global community of qualitative researchers lost a visionary scholar and vocal crusader in broad areas of critical and interpretivist theory ...
Ontological and epistemological positioning in qualitative research is underpinned by theory. While the interaction between theory and quantitative research has been affirmed as important in testing theoretically derived hypotheses, researchers understanding of the relationship between theory and qualitative research appears to be variable.
To better understand the positioning of thematic analysis within qualitative research, it is important to contrast it with other commonly used methodologies such as grounded theory, interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), and content analysis (Table 1).Thematic analysis offers a theoretically flexible and accessible approach, ideal for researchers aiming to identify patterns of meaning ...
The Central Role of Theory in Qualitative Research Christopher S. Collins1 and Carrie M. Stockton1 Abstract The use of theory in science is an ongoing debate in the production of knowledge. Related to qualitative research methods, a variety of approaches have been set forth in the literature using the terms conceptual framework, theoretical ...
Having considered the broad philosophical foundations of research, encompassing how people understand the social world and how they can know about that world, the chapter discusses the role of theory in qualitative research. Theory is more likely to be used to inform decisions about data collection. Theory may also provide explanations for ...
phenomenology, and critical theory can be used to help design a research question, guide the selection of relevant data, interpret the data, and propose explanations of causes or influences Previous articles in this series have addressed several methodologies used in qualitative research. Qualita tive researchers also rely heavily on theories drawn