Research Methods

Theories

Theories help us to understand the world by describing, explaining or predicting  how or why a phenomena occurs. Theories can have different levels of scope.  For example, macro level theories look at large global issues, while meso and micro level theories deal with context based or individual issues, respectively (Salmons, 2019). 

Theoretical Perspective

Your theoretical perspective is the lens with which you view the world.  Theoretical perspective are based on different paradigms.  The research paradigm consists of Ontology (what is reality?); epistemology (how can I know reality?); theoretical perspective (which approach do I use to know something?); Methodology (how do I go about finding out?); Method (what techniques do you use to find out?) (Patel, 2015)

This chart may help you to articulate your own theoretical perspective

Theoretical Framework

Your theoretical framework won’t be defined in the literature, it has a specific purpose that is unique to your research project, which you develop based on its suitability to your research.  You will need to review key theories, and evidence from researchers in your area, around this subject in order to present and justify your own choice of theoretical framework. Your theoretical framework should;

• Identify and justify your theoretical perspective or approach to research.
• Illustrate your understanding of how theory, methodology and methods are connected.
• Justify your choice of methodology and methods.
• Inform readers and future researchers about your choice of research question and the type of results that can be expected from your research.
• Identify the limitations of your research.
• Illustrate how your research is connected to other research that shares your approaches