Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks

What is a Theory?

An abstract generalization explaining how phenomena are related, consisting of concepts and propositions that form a logical system to deduce hypotheses.

What is a Model?

Conceptual models organize relevant concepts around a theme, while schematic models visually show relationships among phenomena.

What is a Framework?

The conceptual basis of a study; if based on a theory, it's called a theoretical framework, and if based on a model, it may be called a conceptual framework.

What is Nola Pender's Health Promotion Model?

A model that explains health-promoting behaviors using a wellness approach.

Example of Nola Pender's Health Promotion Model

Used to examine disease management behaviors of patients with epilepsy and guide the implementation of a self-management protocol.

What is Self-Transcendence Theory (Pamela Reed)?

A theory describing the human capacity to expand personal boundaries in multiple ways, including within oneself, with others and nature, and with purposes beyond the self.

What are the three major concepts of Self-Transcendence Theory?

- Vulnerability

- Self-transcendence

- Well-being.

What is a Literature Review?

A written summary of the current evidence on a research problem, helping readers learn to read, critique, and prepare evidence summaries.

What is the Purpose of Reviewing Related Literature and Studies?

To provide a strong knowledge base for conducting the research project.

2 Types of Related Literature?

1. Conceptual or Theoretical Literature

2. Research or Empirical Literature

What is Conceptual or Theoretical Literature?

Non-research materials by experts that include experiences, viewpoints, interpretations, and cover concept analyses, models, theories, and frameworks.

What are the Sources of Conceptual or Theoretical Literature?

- encyclopedia

- books

- journal articles

- commentaries

- other publications

- periodicals

- monographs

What is Research or Empirical Literature?

Studies, theses, and dissertations (published or unpublished) that provide evidence relevant to the current research.

What are the Sources of Research or Empirical Literature?

Data-based research reports in journals or books, and studies such as master's theses and doctoral dissertations.

What are Primary Sources?

Materials taken directly from the original research or author, such as peer-reviewed journals and articles, containing data-based research.

What is the Purpose of Primary Sources?

To test concepts, theories, models, and various variables.

How is the Strength of Data Measured?

By the quality of evidence, quantity of evidence, and consistency of evidence.

What are Secondary Sources?

Materials taken from a researcher or author who cited the original author, including reviews, critiques, and thesis abstracts.

What are Replications?

Studies repeated to verify and confirm the findings of the initial study.

What is Triangulation?

Using multiple sources, references, or findings to draw conclusions about the validity or truth of results.

What are the major steps and strategies in doing a Literature Review?

1. Formulate and refine primary and secondary questions.

2. Devise a search strategy, including selecting databases and identifying keywords.

3. Screen resources for relevance and appropriateness.

4. Read the source materials.

5. Analyze and integrate the information.

6. Prepare a synthesis or critical summary.

3 ways of developing a Search Strategy?

1. Searching Bibliographic Databases

2. Ancestry Approach ("footnote chasing ")

What is the Ancestry Approach ("footnote chasing")?

A method of finding sources by reviewing the references or citations listed in relevant articles to trace earlier research.

What is the Descendancy Approach?

A method of finding sources by identifying later studies that have cited a key article or work, tracing subsequent research.