Literature Review and Theoretical Framework

Question 1

Purpose of lit review

Answer 1

Research already done
Needs to still be investigated
Tells us gaps
What has and has not been studied
Comes first in article
Rarely labelled
Good understanding of what they’re studying and how they’re defining concepts
Framework
- What we use to structure our article around
- Theory they used and concepts they’re looking at
Every part of research processed look back at lit review

Question 2

Function of framework

Answer 2

Clarifies the concept
ID and states underlying assumptions of a study
Specifies relationship among/between concepts
Conceptual or theoretical model is a visual symbolic representation of the concept in a framework

Question 3

Importance of conceptual/theoretical frameworks

Answer 3

Providing clear links from the literature to the research goals and questions
Informing the research design
Providing reference points for discussion of the methodology and analysis of the data
Contributing to the trustworthiness of the study

Question 4

Conceptual literature

Answer 4

Softer
Not research being done
Discussing theories out there
Writing about things other people have done
Theoretical 
Conceptual frameworks
Integrative reviews (lit review)
- Looked at research and now writing about it
Sources 
- Books, chapters, journal articles

Question 5

Conceptual models/frameworks (“rules of thumb”)

Answer 5

When researchers use quantitative inquiry and deductive reasoning, framework often appears at beginning of paper in discussion
When researchers use qualitative inquiry and inductive reasoning, framework appears at end of paper in discussion

Question 6

Importance of conceptual/theoretical frameworks

Answer 6

Providing clear links from literature to research goals/questions
Informing research design
Providing reference points for discussion of the methodology and analysis of the data
Contributing to the trustworthiness of the study

Question 7

Data-based literature

Answer 7

Empirical lit
Research lit
Scientific lit
Sources
- Journal articles, abstracts in conference proceedings, professional/government reports, dissertations
HC research 
- Done research then written research

Question 8

Critiquing theoretical frameworks

Answer 8

Is the framework clearly presented or must the reader deduce the framework?
Is a particular theory or model ID as the framework?
Does the framework describe and define the concepts of interest?

Question 9

Examine the interrelationship between theory and research

Answer 9

Interrelated concepts that explain and predict outcomes
Guides practice
Practice allows testing of theory and generates questions for research
Research contributes to theory-building and establishing practice guidelines