6. Supporting Your Study with Theoretical Constructs
Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
- Describe the purpose of theoretical frameworks in capstone projects.
- Explain the purpose of conceptual frameworks in capstone projects.
- Explain the purpose of planning models in capstone projects.
- Compare and contrast theoretical frameworks, conceptual frameworks, and planning models.
- Describe at least two ways that a theoretical framework can strengthen a capstone project.
- Utilize strategies to select an appropriate framework or model for your capstone project.
Overview
This chapter addresses the relevance of selecting a theoretical framework, conceptual framework, or planning model to guide and support your capstone project. Theoretical and conceptual frameworks are compared and contrasted. Planning models are reviewed in the context of community program development. The connection between frameworks and/or planning models with literature reviews is explained. This chapter ends with a list of strategies that you can use to select an appropriate framework or model for your capstone project. It is important that you meet with your mentor, and capstone instructors to ensure your choice of framework or planning model is appropriate.
Introduction
The theoretical framework is a very important aspect of the capstone process. The importance of theory-driven thinking and acting is emphasized in relation to the selection of a topic, the development of the PIO/PICO question, the conceptualization of the literature review, the design approach, and the outcome/analysis plan of your capstone project. Consequently, the theoretical framework provides your capstone project with a grounding base, or an anchor, for the literature review, the methods, and the analysis for your capstone project. Your choice of a theory will provide structure to your entire capstone project. It provides a common worldview or lens from which to support your thinking on the problem and analysis of data (Grant & Osanloo, 2016). It is important to discuss this important aspect of your capstone project with your capstone instructors and mentor to ensure it is suitable for your particular capstone project.
What is a Theoretical Framework?
The theoretical framework is the “blueprint” for the entire capstone project. It serves as the guide on which to build and support your project. While theories are formulated to explain, predict, and understand phenomena, frameworks provide critical support for developing aspects of the capstone project over time. In many cases, theoretical frameworks are created to challenge and extend existing knowledge. The theory you select for your capstone project offers a conceptual basis for understanding, analyzing, and designing ways to investigate a problem. Therefore, the theoretical framework of a capstone project consists of the selected theory (or theories) that upholds your thinking with regards to how you understand and plan to investigate and review your topic, as well as the concepts and definitions from that theory that are pertinent to your topic (Grant & Osanloo, 2016).
The Importance of Theoretical Frameworks in Research
A theory is crucial for any capstone project to provide direction and to validate or disapprove a phenomenon. The role of the theoretical framework is to reduce your topic into two factors to simplify the concept:
- The identified need or problem
- The rationale for investigating the issue
A theoretical framework consists of concepts, together with their definitions, and existing theory/theories that are used for your capstone project. The theoretical framework is vital to all capstone projects in order to clarify an implicit theory in a manner that is more clearly defined (Refer to Table 6.1: How Theoretical Frameworks Strengthen a Study).
Table 6.1: How Theoretical Frameworks Strengthen a Capstone Project
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Sources: DeIuliis, E. D., Bednarski, J. A., Bell, A., & DeAngelis, T. (2020). 3. In The entry level Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone: A Framework for the experience and project (pp. 41–55). Essay, SLACK Incorporated; Organizing academic research papers: Theoretical framework. (n.d.). Retrieved September 1, 2022, from https://library.sacredheart.edu/c.php?g=29803&p=185919%3A
Strategies for Selecting an Appropriate Theoretical Framework
Selecting an appropriate theoretical framework for your capstone project is an important process. The selection of a theoretical framework requires a deep and meticulous understanding of your problem, purpose, significance, and PIO/PICO question(s). It is important that all four constructs: the problem, purpose, significance, and research questions are tightly aligned and interwoven so that your theoretical framework can serve as the foundation for your work and guide your choice of capstone project design and data analysis. Our beliefs are influenced by assumptions, values, and ethics, which are all personal postulates; therefore, your fundamental beliefs will influence how you will examine and explore available information and research. For this reason, it is important to reflect on your own worldview and way of conceptualizing problems. It is important to remember that there is no one theory that fits best with any inquiry; therefore, it is important to select and provide a clear rationale for your theory choice to ensure that it aligns and supports the structure of your capstone project’s purpose, PIO/PICO question(s), significance, and design (Grant & Osanloo, 2016). (Refer to Table 6.2: General Guidelines for Selecting a Theoretical Framework).
Table 6.2: General Guidelines for Selecting a Theoretical Framework
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Sources: Osanloo, A., & Grant, C. (2016). Understanding, selecting, and integrating a theoretical framework in dissertation research: Creating the blueprint for your “house”. Administrative issues journal: connecting education, practice, and research, 4(2), 7; Organizing academic research papers: Theoretical framework. (n.d.). Retrieved September 1, 2022, from https://library.sacredheart.edu/c.php?g=29803&p=185919%3A
What is a Conceptual Framework?
A conceptual framework is a structure that the investigator believes can best explain the natural phenomenon being studied. Conceptual frameworks are linked with the concepts, empirical research, and important theories used in promoting or systemizing the knowledge promoted by the investigator. Simply, conceptual frameworks present an integrated way of looking at a problem under exploration (Adom, Hussein & Adu-Agye, 2018).
The Importance of Conceptual Frameworks in Research
Conceptual frameworks assist the investigator in identifying and constructing their global perspective on the occurrence to be explored. Conceptual frameworks are often used by investigators when existing theories are not applicable or sufficient in creating a firm structure for a project (Adom, Jussein & Adu-Agye, 2018). (Refer to Table 6.3: How Conceptual Framework Strengthen a Study).
Table 6.3: How Conceptual Frameworks Strengthen a Study
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Sources: Adom, Dickson & Hussein, Emad & Adu-Agyem, Joe. (2018). Theoretical and conceptual framework: Mandatory ingredients of a quality research. International Journal of Scientific Research. 7. 438-441; Afribary. (2020, December 3). Theoretical framework vs conceptual framework (differences and similarities). Afribary. Retrieved September 3, 2022, from https://afribary.com/knowledge/theoretical-framework-vs-conceptual-framework/
Strategies for Selecting or Creating a Conceptual Framework
A conceptual framework illustrates the expected relationship of your research-based capstone variables. It defines the relevant objectives for your capstone process and maps out how they come together to draw a clear, and comprehensive conclusion. It should also be noted that conceptual frameworks should be identified or developed prior to data collection (Refer to Table 6.4: General Guidelines for Selecting or Creating a Conceptual Framework).
Table 6.4: General Guidelines for Selecting or Creating a Conceptual Framework
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Sources: Adom, Dickson & Hussein, Emad & Adu-Agyem, Joe. (2018). Theoretical and conceptual framework: Mandatory ingredients of a quality research. International Journal of Scientific Research. 7. 438-441; Afribary. (2020, December 3). Theoretical framework vs conceptual framework (differences and similarities). Afribary. Retrieved September 3, 2022, from https://afribary.com/knowledge/theoretical-framework-vs-conceptual-framework/
Theoretical versus Conceptual Frameworks
Many students, researchers, and investigators ask whether theoretical frameworks are the same as conceptual frameworks. Theoretical and conceptual frameworks are neither interchangeable nor synonymous. A theoretical framework is derived from an existing theory (or theories) in the literature that has already been tested and validated by others. A theoretical framework is considered a generally accepted theory in scholarly literature. Theoretical frameworks are usually developed from theoretical deduction rather than from observation or experience; however, a theoretical framework may also involve a theory that is developed during the capstone experience (Grant & Osanloo, 2016).
Conceptual frameworks are used to support the understanding of how a problem or issue will best be explored, the specific direction the project will have to take, and the relationship between different variables in a capstone project. Conceptual frameworks lay out the key factors and variables and presumed relationships among them. A conceptual framework offers a logical structure of connected concepts that help provide a picture or visual display of how ideas in a project relate to one another within the theoretical framework (Grant & Osanloo, 2016). It should be noted that there are instances where researchers develop their conceptual frameworks from the theories that underpin their capstone project (Adom et al., 2018).
Theoretical and conceptual frameworks have some commonalities:
- They both point to the reliability of a study from previous research finding and theories
- Both explain the future course of the research study, rationalizing the reliability of the study
- Both are used to understand a research problem and to guide the development, collection, and analysis of a research study
- They both show the relationship between ideas and theories and how they relate to the study
- They both heighten the quality of a research study
Although theoretical and conceptual frameworks have some commonalities, they also have characteristics that make them different (Afribary, 2020). (Refer to Table 6.4: Differences Between Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks),
Table 6.4: Differences Between Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks
| Theoretical Framework | Conceptual Framework |
| It provides a general or broader set of ideas within which a project belongs | It refers to specific or narrower ideas an investigator utilizes in their study |
| It is based on existing theory (theories) in the literature which has been tested and validated by other scholars | It is based on the concepts which are the main variables in a project |
| It is in the form of a model that pivots a study | It can be an adaption of a model in an existing theory, which an investigator adapts to suit their project purpose
-or- It can be an investigator’s own constructed model that is used to explain the relationship that exists between the main variables in their project |
| It investigates the current research problem using the lens of past relevant theories from existing literature | It looks at the current problem through the lens of existing knowledge on the topic, and what the investigator wants readers to know about that topic |
| It is well-developed, designed, and accepted | Its design is not accepted, but it’s a proposal of the investigator’s answer to the identified problem or need |
| It offers a focal point for approaching the unknown research in a specific field of inquiry | It is the framework that shows logically how the project inquiry is to be started |
| It consists of interrelated theories | It consists of concepts interconnected to explain the relationships between them and how the investigator asserts to answer the defined problem |
| It is used to test theories, to predict and control the situations within the context of a research inquiry | It is aimed at encouraging the development of a theory that be useful to practitioners in the field of study |
| It is based on the research paradigm | It is developed from the foundation of acceptable and logical findings.
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| It is a general set of ideas and theories | It a specific concept used in a capstone project |
| It is often used in quantitative research-based capstone projects | It is commonly used in qualitative research-based capstone projects |
Sources: Adom, Dickson & Hussein, Emad & Adu-Agyem, Joe. (2018). Theoretical and conceptual framework: Mandatory ingredients of a quality research. International Journal of Scientific Research. 7. 438-441; Afribary. (2020, December 3). Theoretical framework vs conceptual framework (differences and similarities). Afribary. Retrieved September 3, 2022, from https://afribary.com/knowledge/theoretical-framework-vs-conceptual-framework/
What is a Planning Model
Planning models serve as an organizing framework for an entire health promotion effort, such as program development. For this reason, planning models are considered much broader than theories. Specifically, planning models are inclusive of theories and serve as a blueprint for building and improving health promotion programs. It should be noted that a planning model does not specify the exact theory that should be used in program development; rather, it specifies basic procedures that can be used to guide the decision-making and program planning process. While planning models provide very useful step by step guides for constructing and evaluating a program’s effectiveness, it does not specify the theory that should be used. Rather, a planning model does specify basic guidelines that will guide you through the process of making key decisions, including choosing an appropriate framework for your capstone project (Crosby & Noar, 2011; Pashmdarfard, Arabshahi, Shafaroodi, Mnehrabe, Parvizi & Haracz, 2020). The PRECEDE-PROCEED Model for community-program development will be detailed in Chapter 8 (Refer to Table 6.5: Examples of Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks and Planning Models)
Table 6.5: Examples of Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks and Planning Models
| Theoretical Framework | Conceptual Model | Planning Model |
| Sensory Integration | European Conceptual Framework for Occupational Therapy | Allen’s Cognitive Disabilities Model |
| The Theoretical Framework of Cultural Competency | Conceptual Framework for Culturally Competent Care | The PRECEDE-PROCEED Model for Community Program Development |
Conclusion
This chapter discussed the important role of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in capstone projects. A theoretical framework is the structure that can hold or support a theory of a capstone project. Conceptual frameworks provides an integrated way of examining a problem or issue being explored. Planning models are typically used in program development focusing on health promotion initiatives and will help guide you through the process of choosing an appropriate framework for your capstone project.
It is important to discuss this important component with your mentor and capstone instructors to ensure the framework chosen supports your study.
Case Study
Case Study: Selecting a Theoretical Framework
Glynn has continued to meet with their mentor, capstone instructor(s) the institution’s statistician, and librarians. The following was solidified:
Title of Capstone Project: A Health Literacy Workshop for Occupational Therapists Incorporating Elements of the Universal Precautions Toolkit: A Research-Based Capstone Project in Occupational Therapy
PIO: Does a health literacy workshop for occupational therapists that incorporates elements of the Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit improve their working knowledge about health literacy, and increase their self-perceived ability to identify, assess, and implement client-centered interventions that optimize outcomes for low-health literate patients?
Type of Study: Mixed Methods: Quantitative Outcome Measures (Pre-Post Workshop Survey, Pre-Post Health Literacy Quiz) and Qualitative Outcome Measures: (Answer to open-ended questions included on Pre-Post Workshop Survey).
Independent Variable: A Health Literacy Universal Precautions Workshop
Dependent Variable(s): -Knowledge of health literacy
- Self-perceived ability to identify low health literate patients
- Self-perceived ability to assess low-health literate patients
- Self-perceived ability to implement client-centered interventions that optimize outcomes for low-health literate patients
Conceptual framework guiding the Capstone Project: Diffusion of Innovations
Glynn will perform a literature review on her chosen theory to substantiate its relevance to their capstone project. Glynn will then work on their conceptual framework as it relates to the health literacy program they will be implementing. Glynn will then begin to work on the activities that will be included in their health literacy workshop (program implementation), participant recruitment (based on Inclusion and Exclusion criteria). Glynn will complete an IRB application. Once Glynn receives IRB approval, they will begin participant recruitment and program implementation: A health literacy workshop for occupational therapy professionals in a skilled nursing facility, 1 time per week, one hour per session, for 6 weeks.
