Theoretical lens in qualitative analysis is a framework that provides explanations, and methods of our experiences of phenomena in the world (Moore, 2006)). This allows us to see how we could form an interpretive context of the mind. Theoretical lens in qualitative research could provide explanation of set of ideas used in research design (Creswell, 2009).
Theoretical framework could be effective in finding the important of using theory in research, and to come up with a more sustained conclusion. The research conclusion may be more practical and gives more support to the research in question (Moore, 2006). Theoretical framework could guide community health research. Theoretical lens offer the concept of ontology and epistemology.
Ontology is a branch of philosophy that is concerned with the nature of what exists. It is the study of theories of being–theories about what makes up reality (eResearch Methods, n.d.). In the context of social science: all theories and methodological positions make assumptions (either implicit or explicit) about what kinds of things can exist, the conditions of their existence, and their interrelations (eResearch Methods, n.d). Likewise, researchers used ontology to find relative data that already exist in nature.
Epistemology refers to the theory of knowledge, a theory of how human beings come to have knowledge of the world around them—of how we know what we know (eResearch Methods, n.d.)). Epistemology provides a philosophical grounding for establishing what kinds of knowledge are possible and for deciding how knowledge can be judged, both adequate and legitimate.
Without the application of theory framework, research quality maybe undercut. There is a long tradition within qualitative research of theory being central and of critical importance (Creswell, 2009). Qualitative research theory often equates with the methodologies used. This is a complex relationship, plagued by lack of consensus among scholars regarding how theory and methodology are related. Bradbury-Jones, Taylor, & Herber, (2014) furthers the debates on how theoretical lens are used in qualitative research; how they might influence a study and how they are articulated in publications. Bradbury-Jones, Taylor, & Herber, (2014) revealed a framework through which the relationship between research theory and qualitative research can be understood.
According to the research approach, Bradbury-Jones, et al. (2014) proposed a five-point typology on the levels of theoretical visibility, testing this against a range of published research from five key international health, medicine and social science journals. The typology captures a range of visibility–from seemingly absent through to highly visible and applied throughout. There was a clear gradient in this assessment–only a minority appeared to use theory consistently throughout a study. The authors outlined several challenges to consistently applying theory in qualitative research and suggest potential solutions. This article is based on the argument that lack of theory in qualitative research undermines its quality. The typology is offered to assist researchers in applying theory in view of their own research and critiquing its use in the work of others.
Reference
Bradbury-Jones, C., Taylor, J., & Herber, O. (2014). How theory is used and articulated in qualitative research: development of a new typology. Social Science & Medicine, 120135-141. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2014.09.014
Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc
eResearch Methods (n.d.). What is paradigm? Retrieved from http://www.erm.ecs.soton.ac.uk/theme2/what_is_your_paradigm.html
Moore, S. M. (2006). Theoretical framework (2nd. ed. ed.). New York: Springer Publishing Company. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/docview/189451410?accountid=14872
