SWE/RMS/TFTQR/M7 by Dr. Yamini Suvarna 1

Module 7 Theories and Theoretical Framework in Quantitative Research Component 1A Role Name Affiliation Principal Investigator Dr. Geeta Balakrishnan College of Social Work,

Nirmala Niketan, Mumbai Paper Coordinator Dr. Yamini Suvarna College of Social Work,

Nirmala Niketan, Mumbai Content Writer Dr. Yamini Suvarna College of Social Work,

Nirmala Niketan, Mumbai Content Reviewer Dr. Melita Vaz Tata Institute of Social

Sciences, Mumbai Language Editor Dr. Melita Vaz Tata Institute of Social

Sciences, Mumbai Component 1B

Description of Module Subject Name Social Work Education Paper Name Research Methods and Statistics Module Name Theoretical frame work and theories in quantitative research Module ID SWE/RMS/TFTQR/M7 Pre Requisites A clear understanding of the concept of scientific research and

quantitative research Objectives • Understand the concept of theory in quantitative research

• Learn about the use of theory in quantitative research • Appreciate the role of a theoretical framework in

quantitative research • Learn the difference between a theoretical framework and

a conceptual framework • Acquire knowledge on how to select and write a

theoretical framework Key words Theories, theoretical framework, conceptual framework,

empiricism, positivism, postmodernism, quantitative research

SWE/RMS/TFTQR/M7 by Dr. Yamini Suvarna 2

Quadrant 1 1 Introduction Theory plays a key role in quantitative research. Qualitative researchers often focus on testing of theories as a way of finding answers to their research questions. Hence, it is essential to understand the concept of theory in quantitative research. Furthermore, a theoretical framework is necessary to ensure that the research study is well organised. 2 Learning Outcomes At the end of this module, the student will:

• Understand the concept of theory in quantitative research • Learn about the use of theory in quantitative research • Appreciate the role of a theoretical framework in quantitative research • Learn the difference between a theoretical framework and a conceptual framework • Acquire knowledge on how to select and write a theoretical framework

3 Concept of Theory in Quantitative Research Kerlinger (1973) defines theory as: A set of interrelated constructs (concepts), definitions, and propositions that present a systematic view of phenomena specifying relations among variables, with the purpose of explaining and predicting the phenomena (p. 9).

In other words, a theory is a set of connected or interdependent variables (related to the phenomenon under study) that form statement/s which states or describes the relationship between these variablesin a methodical or organised manner in order to explain or describe or better understand the phenomenon being studied. The statement which presents the relationship between the variables is known as the hypothesis. A research study could have one or more hypotheses that will be tested during the study. The next module provides details on hypotheses, the types of hypotheses and how these are to be framed. When a hypothesis is tested repeatedly and across different settings, it could develop into a theory. This theory could be presented as an argument, a statement, a question, a discussion or even through the rationale of the research study. The theory helps identify, explain and predict the phenomena being studied. 4 Development of Theory Creswell (2008) uses a rainbow metaphor to explain how a theory works in quantitative research.

Assume that the rainbow bridges the independent and dependent variables (or constructs) in a study. This rainbow ties together the variables and provides an overarching explanation for how and why one would expect the independent variable to explain or predict the dependent variable. Theories develop when researchers test a prediction over and over (p. 52).

The figure below explains the different stages of developing theories.

SWE/RMS/TFTQR/M7 by Dr. Yamini Suvarna 3

• Stage 1: Framing a Hypothesis or the theoretical statement • Stage 2: Testing the hypothesis across different groups in a variety of settings • Stage 3: Validation of hypothesis across different groups in a variety of settings • Stage 4: Formulation of theory

Figure 1: Stages of Theory Development

The following example will help provide greater clarity on the process of theory development. Let us suppose that we want to explore the relationship between levels of education and extent of awareness regarding nutritious food amongst teenage girls in slum communities in urban areas. Here the level of education is the independent variable while extent of awareness regarding nutritious food is the dependent variable. (Please see Module 9 for more information on variables and types of variables.). We could frame this in a statement or hypothesis as below: The higher the levels of education amongst teenage girls in slum communities in urban areas, the greater their awareness regarding nutritious food. It can also be expressed as a theoretical statement such as: Higher levels of education lead to greater nutritional awareness amongst teenage girls in slum communities in urban areas. We can test this theoretical statement across different groups of teenage girls in different slum communities in different urban areas. We could also test this theoretical statement across teenage girls in rural areas. By extending the theoretical statement to cover teenage boys, we ensure that it is tested across different groups. We could also test it amongst adults (both men and women, in both rural and urban areas). When the theoretical statement has been tested and proved valid across different settings and groups as mentioned, it develops into a theory which could be stated as: Awareness regarding nutritious foods is closely linked to the educational levels of people. The higher the level of education of a person; the greater is his/her awareness regarding nutrition. Once a theory is formed, it is given a name by someone. In this case the theory could be called‘Educational attribution to nutritional awareness theory’. Thus a new theory is born.

SWE/RMS/TFTQR/M7 by Dr. Yamini Suvarna 4

Sternber mentions four levels of theory development:

1) Factor-isolating or descriptive theory which focuses on describing phenomena, 2) Factor-relating or explanatory theory which focuses on explaining phenomena, 3) Situation-relating which is used to predict the relationships between or among phenomena 4) Situation-producing which deals with controlling phenomena and relationships between or

amongst phenomena. However, it is not necessary to always create new theory for your research study. Existing theories can form the base of your research. Some of the commonly used theories in quantitative research are discussed in the following section. 5 Common Quantitative Theories There are three commonly used theories that underpin quantitative research. These are:

• Empiricism • Positivism and • Feminism

A brief orientation to each of these theories is provided in the subsequent subsections. 5.1 Empiricism Empiricists believe that all knowledge stems from experiences and places a great deal of emphasis on what is known as empirical hypothesis testing. In other words, unless you can test a hypothesis empirically, it is considered to be mere speculation or guess work. A research that is set within the empirical framework would focus on the collection of factual data which is observable such as socio-economic status and not on opinions or perceptions which are not observable. All collected data should be such that it can be measured and verified. This theory is most suitable for studying concepts and phenomenon related to race, gender, sexuality, community and religion. 5.2 Positivism Positivism is founded on the belief that information about society and societal systems can be collected in a scientific manner and that this can be done only through direct experience or observation. Auguste Comte who is considered the originator of this theory stated that it is possible to collect scientific knowledge about society and understand this with a view to improving human experiences and management of society. Here science is seen as a tool which helps gain a better understanding of society and the truths or principals that relate to it. Science is the base on which the researcher separates facts from values, making the research ‘value-free’. The focus of these research studies that are rooted in positivism and empiricism is on establishing or understanding a cause-effect relationship in the phenomenon being studied. The phenomenon or issue being studied tends to be one that concerns large group of people so that the results are generalizable rather than on isolated phenomenon that concern a particular and small sub-section of people. Robson (2002) adds that the aim of positivism is to develop universal causal laws whilst also interpreting events by linking them to general laws (p.20). Experimental and control groups as well as the use of pre and post tests are common in such researches. 5.3 Feminism Feminism seeks to create a more equal world. This theory stems from the belief that research conducted by men is rooted in patriarchal principles which makes it subjective and biased. Feminist research methods typically reject traditional, scientific methods and display a preference for a more relaxed and open approach in order to gain a better understanding of social reality. This theory is best

SWE/RMS/TFTQR/M7 by Dr. Yamini Suvarna 7

2) What types of knowledge are available to me (empirical, non-empirical, tacit, intuitive, moral or ethical)?

3) What theory will best guide my research? 4) Is this theory proven through theory-linked research? 5) What other theories are relevant to this research? 6) How can I apply these theories and findings in practice?

Sternber lists the steps to be followed when selecting and using a theoretical framework:

• Do a search of the literature for theories and examine various theories to determine what might be appropriate to examine the research problem.

• Select the theory for the research study. This is the theory that will guide and direct the research process.

• Conduct a comprehensive review of literature on studies that used this theory base • Formulate the hypotheses or research questions to be tested using the theory or

propositions fromwithin the theory, • Write the conceptual definitions of the study variables based on the theory, • Operationalize the study variables by selecting the instruments that will be used to test

the concepts. The instrument must be congruent with the theory. • Explain the findings of the study using the theory, • Draw conclusions from the results based on the theory, • Decide if the theory is supported by the results of the study, • Determine if there are any implications from the results that can be related to the theory, • Make recommendations for future research and include use of the theory.

Reading previously conducted research studies related to your topic and examining their theoretical framework may also assist you in writing your own theoretical framework. 9 Summary 9.1 A theory is a set of interlinked variables and hypotheses that state the relationship between these variables in a systematic manner to explain or describe or better understand the phenomenon being studied. 9.2 The theory helps identify, explain and predict the phenomena being studied. 9.3 The development of new theory is a lengthy process as theories need to be tested multiple times across a variety of settings. Hence researchers often make use of existing theories in their research studies. 9.4 The four levels of theory development are 1) factor-isolating, 2) factor-relating, 3) situation-relating and 4) situation-producing. 9.5 The three most commonly used theories in quantitative research are Empiricism, Positivism, and Feminism. 9.6 A theoretical framework is more rigorous and has greater clarity than a conceptual framework. 9.7 A theoretical framework links all aspects of a research study such as problem definition, rationale, aims/objectives, hypothesis, literature review, methodology, data collection and analysis. 9.8 A theoretical framework acts as a map for the research study and helps the researcher stay focused.

SWE/RMS/TFTQR/M7 by Dr. Yamini Suvarna 8

9.9 A critical review of literature with a focus on previously conducted research studies related to your topic will assist in the selection of a theoretical framework for your study.