ASU Theoretical Conceptual Framework Understanding in Qualitative Analysis Paper
delve into an integral component of qualitative data analysis: the role and function of a theoretical or conceptual framework and how this framework serves to organize and guide data analysis.
Theoretical or conceptual frameworks provide a particular perspective, or lens, through which to examine a topic (Bloomberg & Volpe, 2019). There are many different lenses—such as psychological theories, social theories, organizational theories, and economic theories—which may be used to define concepts and explain phenomena. Often times, these frameworks may come from an area outside of your immediate academic discipline. Traditionally, research studies for a Ph.D. as well as for applied degrees must include relevant theoretical or conceptual framework(s) to a frame, or inform, every aspect of the dissertation.
Using a framework for your dissertation can help you to better analyze past events by providing a particular set of questions to ask and a particular perspective to use when examining your topic (Bloomberg & Volpe, 2019). The framework posits new relationships and perspectives vis-à-vis the literature reviewed, thereby providing the theoretical or conceptual link between the research problem, the literature, and the methodology selected for your research. In this way, this framework is the scaffolding of the study, drawing on theory, research, and experience, and—as such—becoming the model that guides your study. Most important, it consists of categories that emanate from the literature; and these categories ultimately become the repository for reporting the findings and guiding data analysis and interpretation (Bloomberg & Volpe, 2019).
You may not realize the critical nature of the conceptual framework in guiding the analysis of data that have been collected. The framework is essentially a practical working tool for guiding the analysis of the data collected, and it becomes the foundation for what will become the coding legend or coding scheme. As pointed out by Bloomberg and Volpe (2019), the process of development requires deep thinking and critical analysis on your part. It also requires creativity and innovation, since your framework will become the basis for understanding, analyzing, and designing ways to investigate the phenomenon you are studying.
To complete this week’s assignment, you have been provided with various resources, including a toolbox that includes all the necessary information to complete this multifaceted assignment. The toolbox contains the following materials: an abridged Chapter One, a data collection instrument (interview guide), three sample coding schemes, and a sample coded interview transcript.
As you are moving forward each week, you should continue to contribute your thoughts and ideas regarding qualitative data analysis to your research journal. The hope is that you are enjoying this reflective process, You can begin preparing for this assignment by completing the following guided steps:
Begin by reading the resources that are provided this week (book chapter and article).
Next, carefully review all the materials in the toolbox. There are various points you should note:
The three coding schemes were developed for this study. The first scheme was based on the literature, Version 1 was an early rendition, and Version 2 was the final coding scheme that was used to code the data.
Coding schemes are usually developed in stages as the researcher seeks to determine the most appropriate and relevant codes. Notice how the coding scheme became more condensed and streamlined as the researcher worked carefully to develop it.
Regarding the partially coded sample transcript (only questions 1-5 are coded), notice how codes are inserted in red to refer to specific coded data segments within the text. When you are coding a transcript, you may choose to use any number of ways to add your codes (colors, highlights, etc.).
Notice how a segment of the transcript may sometimes be assigned more than one code. This type of multiple coding often occurs during an initial round of coding where you are testing out or test driving your coding scheme. As your analysis of the data progresses, further rounds of review will serve to make these segments more clearly defined, allowing you to assign only the most appropriate or relevant codes.
WRITING
Once you feel that you prepared, and are sufficiently familiar with all the material you have been provided, you can begin writing a paper that incorporates the following four parts:
Part 1:
Describe what you understand as a theoretical/conceptual framework, and the role it plays in qualitative data analysis. Be very clear and explicit, and include relevant examples in your discussion.
Part 2:
Provide a critique of the three coding schemes that were provided in your toolbox. Based on all the other material in the toolbox, you should have a good idea of which codes may be applied to the transcript. Review each of the coding schemes again. Think carefully about what codes you might you add to any of the schemes, and what codes might you collapse. Explain your reasons in detail.
Part 3:
Think of a possible hypothetical study that relates to a topic of interest you have in mind for a study or even your future dissertation. Consider a theoretical or conceptual framework that you might apply to this topic. This framework may be something you have been thinking about for some time already, or it may be a new idea. In a few paragraphs, explain how and why this framework could be relevant to a future study to aid your analysis.
Part 4:
Based on your knowledge of a potential research topic, brainstorm or predict a list of codes that you think might serve to create your coding scheme. Your list should be comprehensive and as detailed as possible. This hypothetical coding scheme may include literature-based codes and/or codes that you have thought of based on your own professional experience. For this final portion of the assignment there are two components:
Explain your coding process in detail including all the decisions you made along the way.
Present the actual coding scheme that you have developed.