The document outlines a course on theoretical frameworks in qualitative research, emphasizing the importance of understanding various theoretical perspectives, such as critical theory and feminist theory. Students will learn to distinguish between theoretical perspectives, frameworks, and conceptual frameworks, as well as the concepts that guide research design and methodology. It includes resources for further exploration of these topics in qualitative research.

1. EDUC 354: APPLIED INQUIRY II
UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC
Delores E. McNair, Ed.D.

2. Theoretical Framework2

3. Learning Objectives
By the end of the session, students will be able
to:
 Identify the purpose of a theoretical
framework
 Distinguish between a theoretical
perspective, theoretical framework, and
conceptual framework
 Identify additional resources to explore this
topic
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4. Vocabulary* - Qualitative Research
 Epistemology
 Ontology
 Theoretical Perspective
 Theoretical Framework
 Conceptual Framework
 Feminist Theory
 Critical Theory/Critical
Race Theory
 Queer Theory
 Worldviews
 Multiple Truths
 Participants
 Trustworthiness
 Postmodern
 Postpositivist
*Some, not all
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5. Briefly …
 Worldview
 Epistemology
 Assumptions about the acquisition of knowledge
 Ontology
 Assumptions about the nature of reality
 Methodology/Method
 Not used consistently in research
 In this class
 Methodology (guides the research design)
 Method (research design)
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6. Some Theoretical Perspectives
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 Critical Theory/Critical Race Theory
 Queer Theory
 Feminist Theory
 Postmodernism
 Intersectionality

7. Conceptual Framework
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Authors pull from multiple theories or ideas to
illuminate the concepts that frame the study

8. Theoretical Framework
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 Anchors the study
 Frames the research questions,data collection
(interview questions, for example), and data
analysis
 Concepts, suppositions, and ideas from a
theory that guide your thinking
 Examples:
 Baxter Magolda: self-authorship
 Satir: personal change
 Chickering & Reisser: student development
 Bandura: self-efficacy

9. An example
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The purpose of the study is to explore the ways
first-generation graduate student develop and
demonstrate self-efficacy.
Theoretical framework: Bandura’s self-
efficacy; the study might also use resiliency
theory
Theoretical perspective: Varies with the
researcher, but could be post-modern, critical
theory, critical race theory, feminist theory,
etc. (or even a combination of perspectives)

10. Resources
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 Handbook of Qualitative Research – Denzin &
Lincoln
 Landscape of Qualitative Research – Denzin &
Lincoln
 Narrative Inquiry – Lincoln & Guba
 Negotiating the Complexities of Qualitative
Research – Jones, Torres, & Arminio

11. Resources
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 Black Feminist Thought – P. Hill Collins
 Critical race theory – D. Solórzano
 Handouts on Sakai
 Alicia Chávez (article on Sakai)