Theoretical frameworks - Assignment Example

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS A theory is described as a set of principles as well as ments that are designed to give an explanation to a certain fact or phenomena. A theoretical, framework on the other hand, refers to a basis on the philosophy on which a research is to be carried out and whose main purpose is to join the theoretical aspects as well as the practical components under which a study is carried on. Research studies are always aligned in the structure of an already laid down structure or framework, either in matters of theory or matters of practice.

There are various theoretical frameworks from which every research study is based. Choosing the right framework is thus a very critical component in the success of every study. This refers to the kind of research as being either analytical or deductive. In analytical research, the theoretical framework chosen must be in a position to guide to the methods appropriate for analytical exercises. On the other hand, deductive research studies rely much on the capacity of a study to reason from existing literature and compose reliable and substantiated arguments through which the study objectives will be achieved.

Deductive research studies may lack testability as compared to the analytical studies which employ experimental procedures for ascertaining results. The theoretical framework chosen should therefore be instrumental in guiding on the procedures as well as methods to be adopted. A theoretical framework is seen to be instrumental in describing the methods, theoretical perspective as well as the methodologies applicable to the study. Moreover, the framework is useful in evaluating the appropriateness of the variables used as well as the appropriateness of the hypothesis designed.

Among other basis on which theoretical framework of a research is based on is the discipline on which the study is being carried out, the context of the study; either being management as well as organizational, and process versus explanatory (Damschroder and Damush, 2011, p.32 of 72). In sample consideration of theoretical frameworks, I would consider production theories under which the Rational Choice Theory as well as the management theoretical frameworks lay. The rational choice theoretical framework is usually very relevant in decision making units within organizational as well as individual contexts (Scott, 2000, p.1-2 of 15).

Whenever a research study is based on the role of an individual, or an entity as a separate agent within a decision making context, the rational theoretical framework would be best suited. This is because the framework would adopt descriptive models and the methodologies applicable are quite many. In the case where the study is open to varying methodological approaches, the researcher is open; subject to obtaining substantiated results as opposed to a researcher who is restricted to choices of methods.

The rational theory framework is therefore, most appropriate in descriptive as well as analytical research studies. It describes the human capacity to make choices based on maximizing the gains realized as opposed to other people’s benefit. Studying production in social sciences such as economics would well apply this theoretical framework. Another framework that I would adopt while conducting a study would be the management theoretical framework. In the theories around management, they employ the use of testable elements and take into consideration the comparative aspects in generalized aspect.

By generalization, it implies that analyzing the results would be easy and more appropriate than just employing theoretical frameworks that are very objective. The Management theories take into account the prevailing contexts within the management information and are cognitive of the prevailing research work within a specific field of investigation and are not subjective in analysis. The effect of a chosen theoretical framework within a research study is influencing the choice of theories applied; a choice that will be instrumental in describing and justifying the methods to be used in the later stages.

It is not possible that a researcher adopts production theories while studying very distinct disciplines that have no application of such theories. The adoption of a specific theoretical enables one evaluate the possibility of the study to develop new theories, whether the study would refine or contribute to already existing theory and whether the study will confirm or refute an existing theory. Through these questions, the researcher is guided on the way forward; whether modifying the topic of study, the questions under study, the hypothesis and at the extremes necessitate the overall framing of a research study (King, 2012, p.1-2). Theories offer a vast pool of things to a research study among which are; explanation to phenomena as well as hypothesis generation.

Over and above the usefulness of a theoretical framework to a study, the outcomes of a research study can be useful in refining the already existing theories. Better still; a research study may devise new theories thus adding to the already existing theories. Literature offers a variety of theoretical frameworks which are very useful in guiding the researcher(s) in the choice of research methods as well as research designs (Anon, nd, p.166-168). Bibliography Anonymous. nd. ‘Chapter 5: identifying the theoretical framework’. p.166-168.

Available from: < http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/digitaltheses/public/adt-acuvp129.17052007/03chapters_5-10.pdf> (Accessed on 12th May, 2013). Damschroder L. J. and Damush T. 2011. ‘Section II: The role and selection of theoretical frameworks in implementation research.’ Quality enhancement research initiative. p. 32 of 72. Available from: (Accessed on 12th May, 2013). King R. M. 2012. ‘Developing Your Title, Introduction, Problem Statement, Theoretical Framework and Research Questions’.

Psychology 211, Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences. p. 1-2. Scott J. 2000. ‘Rational Choice Theory’. From Understanding Contemporary Society: Theories of The Present, edited by G. Browning, A. Halcli, and F. Webster. (Sage Publications, 2000). p. 1-2 of 15.