Transcript
Page 1: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

THE USE OF THEORY

QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE METHODS

Page 2: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Qualitative and Quantitative Methods The use of a theory varies between

qualitative and quantitative methods Quantitative methods: Theories are

presented then tested to explain, predict, or establish causal relations between variables

Qualitative methods: Theories are presented to serve as a “lens” which then guides what is looked at and how questions are developed. Theories can also be generated as seen in grounded theory approaches

Page 3: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Theory and the Quantitative Method

Page 4: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Definition of a Theory Theory

Interrelated set of constructs formed into propositions that specify the relationships among variables

Describes how and why variables are related○ Variables = Constructs Sometimes referred to as:

Theoretical Perspective Theoretical Framework

Conceptual Framework – A visual framework of a theoretical perspective/framework

QUANTITATIVE

Page 5: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Independent Variables Independent

Variables that are inferred to cause outcomes○ Factor, Program, Treatment (variable), Predictor (variable),

Intervention Dependent

The outcome that depends on the independent variable○ Outcome (variable), criterion

Intervening or mediating Variables that stand between the independent and dependent

variables Moderating

New variables that measure the joint impact of two variables Confounding

Variables that could also affect the dependent variables, but cannot or will not be measured. Confounding variables can be moderating or intervening variables

QUANTITATIVEVariables in Quantitative Methods

Page 6: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Dependent Variables Independent

Variables that are inferred to cause outcomes○ Factor, Program, Treatment (variable), Predictor (variable),

Intervention Dependent

The outcome that depends on the independent variable○ Outcome (variable), criterion

Intervening or mediating Variables that stand between the independent and dependent

variables Moderating

New variables that measure the joint impact of two variables Confounding

Variables that could also affect the dependent variables, but cannot or will not be measured. Confounding variables can be moderating or intervening variables

QUANTITATIVEVariables in Quantitative Methods

Page 7: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Intervening or Mediating Variables Independent

Variables that are inferred to cause outcomes○ Factor, Program, Treatment (variable), Predictor (variable),

Intervention Dependent

The outcome that depends on the independent variable○ Outcome (variable), criterion

Intervening or mediating Variables that stand between the independent and dependent

variables Moderating

New variables that measure the joint impact of two variables Confounding

Variables that could also affect the dependent variables, but cannot or will not be measured. Confounding variables can be moderating or intervening variables

QUANTITATIVEVariables in Quantitative Methods

Page 8: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Moderating Variables Independent

Variables that are inferred to cause outcomes○ Factor, Program, Treatment (variable), Predictor (variable),

Intervention Dependent

The outcome that depends on the independent variable○ Outcome (variable), criterion

Intervening or mediating Variables that stand between the independent and dependent

variables Moderating

New variables that measure the joint impact of two variables Confounding

Variables that could also affect the dependent variables, but cannot or will not be measured. Confounding variables can be moderating or intervening variables

QUANTITATIVEVariables in Quantitative Methods

Page 9: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Confounding Variables Independent

Variables that are inferred to cause outcomes○ Factor, Program, Treatment (variable), Predictor (variable),

Intervention Dependent

The outcome that depends on the independent variable○ Outcome (variable), criterion

Intervening or mediating Variables that stand between the independent and dependent

variables Moderating

New variables that measure the joint impact of two variables Confounding

Variables that could also affect the dependent variables, but cannot or will not be measured. Confounding variables can be moderating or intervening variables

QUANTITATIVEVariables in Quantitative Methods

Page 10: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Theory Operating as a Bridge

Independent Variable

Dependent Variable

Theory

QUANTITATIVE

Page 11: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Social Learning Theory

ConfidenceTest

Performance

Social Learning Theory (Bandura , 1977 )

QUANTITATIVETheory Operating as a Bridge

Page 12: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Examples of Theories

Attribution Theory by Heider The Health Belief Model by Hochbaum

et al. Learning Theories

Behavioral perspectiveCognitive perspectiveSocial InteractionInstructional approach

QUANTITATIVE

Page 13: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Deductive Technique for the Quantitative Method

Data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted

The Variables in the Research Questions are defined and operationalized

Research Questions are developed based on the Theory (and supported literature)

A Literature Review is developed

A discussion is presented to support or refute the Theory

The Theory is Introduced

QUANTITATIVE

Page 14: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Theory Is Introduced

\

The Theory is Introduced

QUANTITATIVEDeductive Technique for the Quantitative Method

Page 15: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Lit Review Is Developed

A Literature Review is developed

The Theory is Introduced

QUANTITATIVEDeductive Technique for the Quantitative Method

Page 16: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

RQs Are Developed

\

Research Questions are developed based on the Theory (and supported literature)

A Literature Review is developed

The Theory is Introduced

QUANTITATIVEDeductive Technique for the Quantitative Method

Page 17: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Variables Are Defined

The Variables in the Research Questions are defined and operationalized

Research Questions are developed based on the Theory (and supported literature)

A Literature Review is developed

The Theory is Introduced

QUANTITATIVEDeductive Technique for the Quantitative Method

Page 18: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Data Collected, Analyzed, Interpreted

Data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted

The Variables in the Research Questions are defined and operationalized

Research Questions are developed based on the Theory (and supported literature)

A Literature Review is developed

\

The Theory is Introduced

QUANTITATIVEDeductive Technique for the Quantitative Method

Page 19: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Discussion Supports or Refutes Theory

Data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted

The Variables in the Research Questions are defined and operationalized

Research Questions are developed based on the Theory (and supported literature)

A Literature Review is developed

A discussion is presented to support or refute the Theory

The Theory is Introduced

QUANTITATIVEDeductive Technique for the Quantitative Method

Page 20: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Theory Placement: IntroductionPlacement Advantages Disadvantages

In the introduction Common approach; familiar to readers; conveys a deductive approach

Difficult for a reader to isolate theory base from other components of the research process

In the literature review

Including theories in a literature review is a logical extension or part of the literature

Difficult for a reader to see the theory in isolation from the larger literature

After hypotheses or research questions

The theory discussion explains how and why variables are related

May leave out an extended discussion about the origin and use of the theory

In a separate section Clearly separates the theory from other components of the research process, enables a reader to better identify and to understand the theory base

The theory discussion is isolated and may not easily connect with other components of the research process

QUANTITATIVE

Theory Placement

Page 21: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Placed in Lit ReviewPlacement Advantages Disadvantages

In the introduction Common approach; familiar to readers; conveys a deductive approach

Difficult for a reader to isolate theory base from other components of the research process

In the literature review

Including theories in a literature review is a logical extension or part of the literature

Difficult for a reader to see the theory in isolation from the larger literature

After hypotheses or research questions

The theory discussion explains how and why variables are related

May leave out an extended discussion about the origin and use of the theory

In a separate section Clearly separates the theory from other components of the research process, enables a reader to better identify and to understand the theory base

The theory discussion is isolated and may not easily connect with other components of the research process

QUANTITATIVE

Theory Placement

Page 22: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Placed After RQsPlacement Advantages Disadvantages

In the introduction Common approach; familiar to readers; conveys a deductive approach

Difficult for a reader to isolate theory base from other components of the research process

In the literature review

Including theories in a literature review is a logical extension or part of the literature

Difficult for a reader to see the theory in isolation from the larger literature

After hypotheses or research questions

The theory discussion explains how and why variables are related

May leave out an extended discussion about the origin and use of the theory

In a separate section Clearly separates the theory from other components of the research process, enables a reader to better identify and to understand the theory base

The theory discussion is isolated and may not easily connect with other components of the research process

QUANTITATIVE

Theory Placement

Page 23: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Placed in Separate SectionPlacement Advantages Disadvantages

In the introduction Common approach; familiar to readers; conveys a deductive approach

Difficult for a reader to isolate theory base from other components of the research process

In the literature review

Including theories in a literature review is a logical extension or part of the literature

Difficult for a reader to see the theory in isolation from the larger literature

After hypotheses or research questions

The theory discussion explains how and why variables are related

May leave out an extended discussion about the origin and use of the theory

In a separate section Clearly separates the theory from other components of the research process, enables a reader to better identify and to understand the theory base

The theory discussion is isolated and may not easily connect with other components of the research process

QUANTITATIVE

Theory Placement

Page 24: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Theory and the Qualitative Method

Page 25: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Theory Use in Qualitative Methods

The definition of Theory remains the same but is typically applied differently in Qualitative Methods:

The Theory provides a broad explanation of behavior and attitudes Establish a theoretical lens (i.e., orienting lens)

○ Feminist perspective○ Racialized discourse○ Critical theory

Starts with an endpoint - a theory that is generated (inductive)

No theory is employed (the inquiry is developed explicitly from participants as seen in phenomenological approaches)

QUALITATIVE

Page 26: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Sometimes referred to as: “Paradigms” of Social Science Theoretical Lens Foundational Theory (same as theoretical

lens)○ Conflict theory○ Marxist theory○ Structural functionalism○ Symbolic interaction○ Feminist perspective○ Racialized discourse○ Critical theory○ Queer theory○ Disability inquiry

Paradigms, Theoretical Lens, Foundational Theory

QUALITATIVE

Theory Use in Qualitative Methods

Page 27: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Applications Theoretical Lens or Foundational Theory Grounded Theory

Does Not include initial a priori presentation of one of the “big” foundational theories

Critical-reflexive Theory

Theory Use in Qualitative Methods (cont.)

QUALITATIVE

Page 28: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Types of Theories

Theories can be broken down into types:Grand TheoryMid-range TheoryMicro-level Theory

QUALITATIVE

Page 29: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Examples of Types of Theories Theories can be broken down into types:

Grand TheoryMid-range TheoryMicro-level Theory

Type Psychology Social/Educational

Grand Theory Psychodynamic theory

Social Construction

Mid-range Theory Five stage theory Social Interaction

Micro-level Theory Individual formation theory

Phenomenology

QUALITATIVE

Types of Theories

Page 30: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

More Examples of Theories Used for Qualitative

Methods Professionalisation Theory by Elliot

Freidson

Labelling Theory by Scheff

Negotiated Order Theory by Strauss

QUALITATIVE

Page 31: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

The Inductive Logic of Research in Qualitative Methods

Researcher asks open-ended questions of participants or records fieldnotes

Researcher analyzes data to form themes or categories

Researcher looks for broad patterns, generalizations, or theories from themes or categories

Researcher poses generalizations, or theories, and compares to past experiences and literature

Researcher gathers information

QUALITATIVE

Page 32: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Researcher Gathers Information

Researcher gathers information

QUALITATIVEThe Inductive Logic of Research in Qualitative Methods

Page 33: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Open-Ended Questions and Fieldnotes

Researcher asks open-ended questions of participants or records fieldnotes

Researcher gathers information

QUALITATIVEThe Inductive Logic of Research in Qualitative Methods

Page 34: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Analyze Data to Form Themes

Researcher asks open-ended questions of participants or records fieldnotes

Researcher analyzes data to form themes or categories

Researcher gathers information

QUALITATIVEThe Inductive Logic of Research in Qualitative Methods

Page 35: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Look for Broad Patterns

Researcher asks open-ended questions of participants or records fieldnotes

Researcher asks open-ended questions of participants or records fieldnotes

Researcher looks for broad patterns, generalizations, or theories from themes or categories

Researcher gathers information

QUALITATIVEThe Inductive Logic of Research in Qualitative Methods

Page 36: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Pose Generalizations or Theories

Researcher asks open-ended questions of participants or records fieldnotes

Researcher analyzes data to form themes or categories

Researcher looks for broad patterns, generalizations, or theories from themes or categories

Researcher poses generalizations, or theories, and compares to past experiences and literature

Researcher gathers information

QUALITATIVEThe Inductive Logic of Research in Qualitative Methods

Page 37: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Use of Theory in Mixed Methods

Mixed methods studies may:Include theory deductively (theory testing)

○ Quantitatively orientedInclude theory inductively (an emerging

pattern)○ Qualitatively oriented

Use a theoretical lens and framework to guide the study○ Emphasis is equal between QUAL and QUAN

Page 38: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Examples Qualitative example with a theoretical lens: Haldenby

, A. M., Berman, H., & Forchuk, C. (2007). Homelessness and health in adolescents. Qualitative Health Research, 17(9), 1232–1244.

Discussion of theory on p. 1235. Qualitative example that generates a theory: Harley, A. E.,

Buckworth, J., Katz, M. L., Willis, S. K., Odoms-Young, & Heaney, C. A. (2007). Developing long-term physical activity participation: A grounded theory study with African American women. Health Education & Behavior.

Generated theory on pp. 5–14. Quantitative example: Frankenberger, K. D. (2004).

Adolescent egocentrism, risk perceptions, and sensation seeking among smoking and nonsmoking youth. Journal of Adolescent Research, 19(5), 576–590.

Literature review and theory on pp. 577–580. Mixed methods example: Parmelee

, J. H., Perkins, S. C., & Sayre, J. J. (2007). “What about people our age?” Applying qualitative and quantitative methods to uncover how political ads alienate college students. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 1(2), 183–199.

Literature review and theoretical perspective on pp. 184–187.

Page 39: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods  The use of a theory varies between qualitative and quantitative methods  Quantitative methods: Theories are presented

Selected References Anfara, V., & Mertz, N. T. (2006). Theoretical frameworks in

qualitative research. Thousand Oaks: Sage.

Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Reeves, S., et al. (2008). Why use theories in qualitative research? BMJ(337:a949), 631-634.

Scott, G., & Garner, R. (2013). Doing qualitative research: Designs, methods, and techniques. Boston, MA: Pearson.


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