دانلود رایگان ترجمه مقاله نقش اصلی نظریه در تحقیق کیفی (نشریه Sage 2018)

نقش اصلی نظریه در تحقیق کیفی

The Central Role of Theory in Qualitative Research

Abstract

The use of theory in science is an ongoing debate in the production of knowledge. Related to qualitative research methods, a variety of approaches have been set forth in the literature using the terms conceptual framework, theoretical framework, paradigm, and epistemology. While these approaches are helpful in their own context, we summarize and distill them in order to build upon the case that a balanced and centered use of the theoretical framework can bolster the qualitative approach. Our project builds on the arguments that epistemology and methodological rigor are essential by adding the notion that the influence of theory permeates almost every aspect of the study—even if the author does not recognize this influence. Compilers of methodological approaches have referred to the use of theory as analogous to a coat closet in which different items can be housed or a lens through which the literature and data in the study are viewed. In this article, we offer an evaluative quadrant for determining the appropriate use of theory in qualitative research and a diagram of the qualitative project that points to the central role of a theoretical framework. We also caution against the overreliance on theory in the event that it begins to limit the ability to see emergent findings in the data.

What Is Already Known?

Among the widespread definitions for a theoretical framework, we distill them to mean an explanation of the way things work. The source, size, and power of those explanations vary, but they all link back to an attempt to understand some phenomena. As Anfara and Mertz (2015) have described, scholars have varied perspectives about the use of theoretical frameworks in qualitative research. The following article endeavors to summarize and present variations in usage and understanding. Currently, the use of theory in qualitative approaches has included (1) clarification of epistemological dispositions, (2) identification of the logic behind methodological choices, (3) building theory as a result of research findings, and (4) a guide or framework for the study. Furthermore, methodological dispositions on the reflexive symbiosis with theory and other parts of a study are included to set the stage for focusing on the theoretical framework.

What This Article Adds?

This project explores the role of theory in qualitative research and presents an overview of different approaches to theory. We examine previous work on the conceptual framework, consider epistemology and the selection of theory, cases and coding, and then present tools for implementing theory in research. This article builds upon existing notions of the use of theory in qualitative research that have primarily emphasized theory in understandings of methodology and epistemological dispositions by advocating for a clearer use of a theoretical framework. We synthesize previous literature to advance the idea that a strong theoretical framework can allow the researcher to reveal existing predispositions about a study and assist in data coding and interpretation. This modest proposal is balanced by the recognition that overreliance on a theory can produce other types of problems. We include a theory/method quadrant (Figure 1) to demonstrate and clarify the importance of the relationship between theoretical framework and methodology and highlight how the theoretical framework can be integral to the qualitative process (Figure 2). The first part of the article provides background by presenting a brief overview of knowledge production, reflexivity, and the use of theory in qualitative research. Sections on the confounded conceptual framework, epistemology, and coding are used to highlight various portions of the research process that can be interwoven with the theoretical framework. The last two sections offer some concrete ways to visualize the potentially central role of theory as well as some cautions around limitations for overreliance on theory.

Introduction

The purpose of this article is to examine and advance the role of the theory as a device in the qualitative toolbox—an admittedly pragmatic premise. We review the various ways in which theory has been considered in qualitative methodology publications and highlight the ways in which a central role for theory can be useful for a study. Our developmental perspective is most useful for those who may not have fully considered the value of theory. We present theory as symbiotic with our actions and dispositions. Each section of this article works to modestly clarify the role of theory while avoiding the perception of a methodological orthodoxy around the tool.