What are the types of research frameworks?

research frameworkMargaret Eisenhart (1991) has identified three types of research frameworks: theoretical, practical, and conceptual.

Theoretical Frameworks

A theoretical framework guides research activities by its reliance on a formal theory; that is, a theory that has been developed by using an established, coherent explanation of certain sorts of phenomena and relationships—Piaget’s theory of intellectual development and Vygotsky’s theory of socio-historical constructivism are two prominent theories used in the study of children’s learning. At the stage in the research process in which specific research questions are determined, these questions would be rephrased in terms of the formal theory that has been chosen. Then, relevant data are gathered, and the findings are used to support, extend, or modify the theory.

Practical Frameworks

This kind of framework is not informed by formal theory but by the accumulated practice knowledge of practitioners and administrators, the findings of previous research, and often the viewpoints offered by public opinion. Research questions are derived from this knowledge base and research results are used to support, extend, or revise the practice (Scriven, 1986)

A practical framework guides research by using “what works” in the experience of doing something by those directly involved in it.

Conceptual Frameworks

conceptual framework is an argument that the concepts chosen for investigation, and any anticipated relationships among them, will be appropriate and useful given the research problem under investigation. Like theoretical frameworks, conceptual frameworks are based on previous research, but conceptual frameworks are built from an array of current and possibly far-ranging sources. The framework used may be based on different theories and various aspects of practitioner knowledge, depending on what the researcher can argue will be relevant and important to address about a research problem.

What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of framework?

Source:

Lester, Frank. On the theoretical, conceptual, and philosophical foundations for research in mathematics education. ZDM 2005 Vol. 37 (6)

What is the role of theory in mathematics education research?

A theory in mathematics education research deals with the teaching and learning of mathematics from two perspectives: a structural and a functional perspective.

  • Structural – a theory is an organized and coherent system of concepts and notions in mathematics education field
  • Functional – a theory is a system of tools that permit speculation about some reality. When theory is used as a tool, it can serve to:
    1. conceive of ways to improve the teaching/learning environment including the curriculum,
    2. develop methodology,
    3. describe, interpret, explain, and justify classroom observation and teacher activity,
    4. transform practical problems to research problems,
    5. define different step in the study of a research problem, and
    6. generate knowledge.
I love this description by Alan Bishop on the role of theory in education research:

theories

Click Theories of Learning for brief descriptions of the four major theories for designing, explaining, and analyzing teaching and learning.

Reference:

Theories of Mathematics Education: Seeking New Frontiers (Advances in Mathematics Education) by L. English and B. Sriraman.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...