The theoretical framework

1. What is the role of a theoretical framework in qualitative research, according to Creswell (2013)?

• a) To test hypotheses

• b) To guide the researcher’s analysis and interpretation of data

• c) To dictate the sampling process

• d) To determine the statistical methods used

According to Hernández, Fernández & Baptista (2014), the theoretical framework should be developed:

• a) After data collection

• b) Before formulating research objectives

• c) After reviewing the literature

• d) Once the research problem is solved

Creswell (2013) emphasizes that a theoretical framework:

• a) Provides a lens for understanding the research problem

• b) Eliminates subjectivity in the research

• c) Focuses only on quantitative data

• d) Is not necessary in qualitative research

Which of the following best describes how the theoretical framework should be presented in qualitative research, according to Hernández, Fernández & Baptista (2014)?

• a) As a detailed explanation of research methodology

• b) As a visual model with no need for written explanation

• c) As a well-supported argument for the theories guiding the study

• d) As a purely abstract idea

In Creswell’s (2013) view, how should the theoretical framework influence data collection in qualitative research?

• a) It should limit the data collection methods

• b) It helps determine what information is most relevant to gather

• c) It dictates the exact number of participants needed

• d) It replaces the need for research objectives

According to Hernández, Fernández & Baptista (2014), which of the following is a key source for developing a theoretical framework?

• a) Statistical reports

• b) The researcher’s personal beliefs

• c) Existing literature and previous research studies

• d) Unverified online articles

Creswell (2013) argues that the theoretical framework should:

• a) Remain fixed throughout the research process

• b) Be flexible and evolve with the research

• c) Be unrelated to the research questions

• d) Only appear in quantitative research studies

Hernández, Fernández & Baptista (2014) suggest that the theoretical framework helps:

• a) Justify the use of qualitative or quantitative methods

• b) Define the ethical considerations of the study

• c) Strengthen the validity of the research design

• d) Identify personal biases of the researcher

According to Creswell (2013), in qualitative research, the theoretical framework is often:

• a) Based on grounded theory or phenomenology

• b) Used to generate large-scale statistics

• c) Irrelevant to case study designs

• d) Focused only on experimental outcomes

Hernández, Fernández & Baptista (2014) state that the theoretical framework must:

• a) Include only one theory

• b) Integrate theories that best explain the relationships in the research

• c) Avoid using any previous theories to promote originality

• d) Ignore alternative theoretical perspectives