Assignment: Identify a Conceptual or Theoretical Framework
Activity Description:
Depending on whether you are seeking a DBA or a PhD, it is
of paramount importance that you identify an overall organizing structure in
the literature using either a conceptual framework (DBA students) or
theoretical framework (PhD students). As previously mentioned, it is important
to be able to relate the issues discussed within the review to theory or other
frameworks that already exist in the field. This will allow you to show how
your study will contribute to practice and/or theory. For this assignment, you
will identify how your literature review fits within a conceptual framework(s)
or theoretical framework(s) within your specialization.
As you have been collecting and reading your scholarly
sources thus far, you should have been noting the conceptual or theoretical
frameworks used by the authors. This was part of digesting the information
within a scholarly source that you worked on in Weeks 2 and 3. In addition, you
have been working to form themes in developing your outline in Week 4 and
noting what frameworks were used within each theme/(sub)topic. In Weeks 5 and
6, you summarized, critically analyzed, and synthesized the literature you
collected thus far. All the while, you also continued to collect additional
scholarly sources, write, receive feedback on your writing, incorporate that
feedback, and continue on. In other words, you have been partaking in the
iterative process of writing a literature review. This assignment is geared
toward further honing your literature review by helping you determine the
conceptual or theoretical framework that you will use to couch your paper.
Look back at the scholarly resources you have read thus far.
Describe the conceptual and/or theoretical frameworks used by the authors.
Compare and contrast how your topic relates to each of those
frameworks used.
Based on your analysis, which framework best applies to your
topic? Note that you may find that none of the frameworks seem to really fit
your topic. This is a normal part of the writing process. If you find this is
the case, please explain how the frameworks in your sources do not fit your
topic. This should help illuminate where you should search in the literature to
find a framework that applies to your study, which you can then discuss here.
Justify why this conceptual/theoretical framework applies to
your topic area and literature search. Also ensure your chosen framework
reflects your degree type.
Discuss how the framework interweaves into your literature
review.
Length: 700 words
Your paper should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of
the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and
insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect
scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral
University’s Academic Integrity Policy.
Submit your assignment using the Upload button below.
Activity Learning Outcomes:
2.0 Incorporate
relevant information from appropriate peer-reviewed studies in a systematic
manner.
3.0 Evaluate the
scientific quality of peer-reviewed studies.
4.0 Critically
analyze the research literature related to your degree and specialization.
Conceptual/Theoretical Framework
As you continue to work on developing your literature
review, one important point is that you should organize the literature around a
conceptual framework or theoretical framework. It is important to be able to
relate the issues discussed within the review to theory or other frameworks
that already exist in the field. Because the framework is a foundational
element in research, you have already encountered frameworks in the literature
and have begun reflecting on those frameworks.
The readings for this activity build upon this by helping you understand
how to structure and write your literature review in regards to identifying
theoretical underpinnings/conceptual frameworks in the literature you are
reviewing.
Assignment Preparation
Carefully read course materials listed below and email your
faculty member with any questions.
Explore the following video:
Theoretical Framework
Books
Ridley, D. (2012) The literature review: A step-by-step
guide for
students.
Read Chapter 7, In-text Citations
Ridley, D. (2012) The literature review: A step-by-step
guide for
students.
Read pages 30-33, Theoretical Underpinnings
Craswell, G., &Poore, M. (2012) Writing for academic
success. Read Chapter 8, The Literature Review
() Bloomberg, L. D., & Volpe, M. (2008). Developing and
presenting
the literature review.
http://srmo.sagepub.com.proxy1.ncu.edu/view/completing-yourqualitative-
dissertation/SAGE.xml
Read Part II, Chapter 2
Articles
Reference Instruction
Read article
Corley, K. G. &Giola, D. (2011). Building theory about
theory building: What constitutes
a theoretical contribution?
http://cmsdev.aom.org/uploadedFiles/Publications/AMR/CorleyGioiaBuildingTheory.pdf
Read article
Rocco, T. S., &Plakhotnik, M. S. (2009). Literature
reviews, conceptual frameworks,
and theoretical frameworks: Terms, functions, and
distinctions.
http://proxy1.ncu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=psyh&AN=2009-06113-006&site=eds-live
