Assignment: Identify a Conceptual or Theoretical Framework

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