Chapter Three: The Use of Theory

RESEARCH DESIGN
Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches Third Edition

John W. Creswell

Chapter Outline

Quantitative Theory Use

Variables in Quantitative Research Definition of a Theory Forms of Theories Placement of Quantitative Theories Writing a Quantitative Theoretical Perspective
Variation in Theory Use in Qualitative Research Locating the Theory in Qualitative Research

Qualitative Theory Use

Mixed Methods Theory Use

Variables in Quantitative Research

Independent

Variables that probably cause outcomes

The outcomes that depend on the independent variables Variables that stand between the independent and dependent variables New variables that measure the joint impact of two variables Independent variables that are measured and statistically "controlled" Variables that could also affect the dependent variables, but cannot or will not be measured

Dependent

Intervening or mediating

Moderating

Control

Confounding

Forms of Theories

Theory

Interrelated set of constructs formed into propositions that specify the relationships among variables Describes how and why variables are related

Forms include

Set of hypotheses Series of if-then statements Visual model

The Deductive Approach Used in Quantitative Research

Researcher tests or verifies a theory Researcher tests hypotheses or research questions from the theory Researcher defines and operationalizes variables derived from the theory Researcher measures or observes variables using an instrument to obtain scores

Placing Theory in a Quantitative Study

Placement
In the introduction

Advantages
Common approach; familiar to readers; conveys a deductive approach

Disadvantages
Difficult for a reader to isolate theory base from other components of the research process

In the literature review

After hypotheses or research questions

Including theories in a literature review is a logical extension or part of the literature

The theory discussion explains how and why variables are related

Difficult for a reader to see the theory in isolation from the larger literature
May leave out an extended discussion about the origin and use of the theory The theory discussion is isolated and may not easily connect with other components of the research process

In a separate section

Clearly separates the theory from other components of the research process, enables a reader to better identify and to understand the theory base

Theory Use in Qualitative Research

Theory may be used as:

A broad explanation A theoretical lens or perspective

Feminist perspective Racialized discourse Critical theory Queer theory Disability inquiry

An endpoint, a theory that is generated

Researcher may also choose not to employ theory in a qualitative study

The Inductive Logic of Research in a Qualitative Study

Researcher poses generalizations, or theories, and compares to past experiences and literature Researcher looks for broad patterns, generalizations, or theories from themes or categories Researcher analyzes data to form themes or categories Researcher asks open-ended questions of participants or records fieldnotes Researcher gathers information

Use of Theory in Mixed Methods

Mixed methods studies may:

Include theory deductively (theory testing) Include theory inductively (an emerging pattern) Use a theoretical lens or perspective to guide the study

Chapter Three: The Use of Theory

RESEARCH DESIGN
Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches Third Edition

John W. Creswell