Unit 2: Theory, Frameworks, and Variables in Research

Key Topics

• Theory and Conceptual Frameworks
• Variable Definitions and Measurement
• Qualitative Unit Discovery

Role of Theory in Research

• Research either tests or develops theory.
• Types of Research Questions:
  • Explore: Limited literature; exploratory or descriptive studies build theory.
  • Compare/Relationship: Evidence of potential relationship between variables, informs existing theory.
  • Intervention/Hypothesis: Established knowledge and theory, focuses on intervention.

Understanding Theory

• Theory: Describes relationships between concepts, e.g., addiction, hopelessness.
• Model: Represents aspects of reality, e.g., Health Belief Model.
• Conceptual Framework/Model: Network of concepts guiding research.
• General Theory (Grand Theory): Covers broad aspects of nursing, e.g., Roy Adaptation Model.
• Middle Range and Micro Range Theories: Focus on specific practice areas and situations.

Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks

• Frameworks guide study design.
• Conceptual Model: Existing or new theories/models applied to study.
• Theoretical Framework: Existing literature framework guiding study variables.

Definitions of Variables

• Conceptual Definition: What the variable is (e.g., anxiety as a feeling).
• Operational Definition: How the variable is measured (e.g., self-report).
• Definitions vary in precision based on study type (exploratory vs. intervention).

Types of Variables

• Independent Variable: Manipulated to observe effect on dependent variable.
• Dependent Variable: Measured for change as influenced by independent variable.
• Intervening Variables: Affect relationship between independent and dependent variables.
• Extraneous Variables: Not of interest but must be controlled.

Levels of Measurement

• Nominal: Categories without numeric meaning (e.g., gender).
• Ordinal: Ordered categories (e.g., pain scale without precise measurement).
• Interval: Equidistant units without absolute zero (e.g., temperature).
• Ratio: Equidistant units with absolute zero (e.g., blood pressure).

Qualitative Research Overview

• Qualitative Research: Explores human experience in natural settings using text, words, and narrative.
• Types: Ethnography, Phenomenology, Historical, Case Study.
• Sampling: Purposive, Judgmental, Maximum Variation, Snowball Sampling.
• Data Saturation: Collect data until no new themes emerge.

Evaluating Qualitative Research

• Credibility: Truthfulness of findings.
• Auditability: Ability to track research process and decisions.
• Fittingness: Real-world applicability of findings.
• Confirmability: Implementation of credibility, auditability, and fittingness.

Ethical Considerations in Qualitative Research

• Conducted in natural settings, emergent design.
• Address ethical concerns such as participant protection and researcher bias.

Conclusion

• Understanding theories, frameworks, and variable definitions is crucial in research.
• Qualitative methods offer unique insights into human experiences and behaviors.
• Careful consideration of research design and ethics enhances study validity.