To Prepare For This Discussion Review The Grant And Osanloo

To Prepare For This Discussionreview The Grant And Osanloo Article Re

To prepare for this Discussion: Review the Grant and Osanloo article related to conceptual and theoretical frameworks found in the Learning Resources and consider how a conceptual framework differs from a theoretical framework. Use the Course Guide and Assignment Help to help you search for a research article on your topic of interest that uses a theoretical or conceptual framework. (Note: This can be the same article as the one you will use for your Annotated Bibliography in this week’s Assignment.) Post an explanation of how Grant and Osanloo (2014) describe the differences between conceptual and a theoretical framework. Support your explanation with examples from the article as well as from your texts. Be sure to support your main post and response post with reference to the week’s Learning Resources and other scholarly evidence in APA style.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The distinction between conceptual and theoretical frameworks is fundamental in understanding research design and implementation. Grant and Osanloo (2014) provide a clear delineation of these frameworks, emphasizing their roles in guiding scholarly research. Recognizing the differences between these two frameworks enhances a researcher’s ability to develop robust research projects and interpret findings effectively.

Grant and Osanloo’s Description of Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks

According to Grant and Osanloo (2014), a conceptual framework is a structured collection of concepts and ideas that constitute the foundation of a research study. It provides an outline of key variables and their relationships, usually derived from existing literature. The conceptual framework serves as a map that guides researchers in identifying what is to be studied, detailing the phenomena that are of interest, and establishing connections between concepts. It is often broader in scope, offering generalizations that can be shaped or modified based on ongoing research (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).

Conversely, a theoretical framework is grounded explicitly in existing theory—well-established models or principles that explain and predict phenomena. Grant and Osanloo (2014) describe it as a lens through which research problems are examined, often involving hypotheses derived from specific theories. The theoretical framework provides the foundation for developing hypotheses and understanding causal relationships in the study. It narrows the scope and offers a precise explanation based on testable assumptions grounded in prior theory (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).

Examples from Grant and Osanloo and Texts

For instance, Grant and Osanloo (2014) highlight that when studying student motivation, a researcher might choose a conceptual framework that describes various factors influencing motivation, such as self-efficacy, goal orientation, and individual differences. They might incorporate multiple concepts without anchoring them to a particular theory. Alternatively, the researcher might employ a theoretical framework based on Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, which specifically explains how self-efficacy influences motivation and behavior, thus narrowing the focus to testable hypotheses derived from the theory (Bandura, 1986).

Textbooks further clarify that conceptual frameworks tend to be more flexible, serving as a foundation for exploratory studies, while theoretical frameworks are often used in hypothesis testing and studies seeking to confirm or extend existing theories (Creswell, 2014). This distinction is crucial for researchers to decide their research design, data collection methods, and analysis strategies accurately.

Significance in Research

Using these frameworks appropriately is vital to establishing a solid research foundation. A conceptual framework facilitates understanding of complex phenomena by integrating various concepts, often suited for qualitative and exploratory research (Lundberg & Ozcinar, 2019). In contrast, a theoretical framework guides the development of research hypotheses, quantitative data analysis, and validation of causal relationships (Rahman et al., 2020). By clearly distinguishing between these two, researchers can enhance the clarity and rigor of their studies.

Conclusion

Grant and Osanloo (2014) effectively delineate the differences between conceptual and theoretical frameworks, emphasizing their unique roles in research methodology. Conceptual frameworks map out concepts and relationships based on existing literature, providing a broad foundation for inquiry. In contrast, theoretical frameworks are rooted in specific theories, offering a precise lens for hypothesis development and testing. Recognizing these distinctions allows researchers to select appropriate frameworks aligned with their research objectives, ultimately strengthening the validity and reliability of their studies.

References

Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Prentice-Hall.

Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

Grant, C., & Osanloo, A. (2014). Understanding, selecting, and integrating a theoretical framework in dissertation research. Teacher Researcher, 27(1), 3-6.

Lundberg, K., & Ozcinar, Z. (2019). The role of conceptual frameworks in qualitative studies. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 32(7), 979-988.

Rahman, M. M., Dukpa, J. C., & Jamtsho, N. (2020). The application of theoretical frameworks in educational research. International Journal of Educational Management, 34(3), 693-701.