The Second Edition of Theoretical Frameworks in Qualitative Research brings together some of today’s leading qualitative researchers to discuss the frameworks behind their published qualitative studies. They share how they found and chose a theoretical framework, from what discipline the framework was drawn, what the framework posits, and how it influenced their study. Both novice and experienced qualitative researchers are able to learn first-hand from various contributors as they reflect on the process and decisions involved in completing their study. The book also provides background for beginning researchers about the nature of theoretical frameworks and their importance in qualitative research; about differences in perspective about the role of theoretical frameworks; and about how to find and use a theoretical framework.
This is a qualitative research text. What I enjoyed most about it was that it is 95% examples and only 5% instruction. There are a lot of texts out there that describe and instruct on the use of theory in qualitative research, and I do agree that, at least in librarianship (my field) we need a bit more focus on the use of theoretical frameworks. This book is refreshing in that it is full of examples of how researchers used theoretical frameworks to guide their research and how that guidance came about. Very useful.
After reading this book, the meaning and use of theory in my research clicked and now I totally get it. The authors provide an in-depth description of theory and its importance to the development of research. There are also chapters that discuss the use of a particular theory embedded in various studies with explanations of why the researchers used them. Outstanding resource and a must read for anyone beginning the road toward dissertation completion.