Finding the right theory for your theoretical framework is a crucial step in research. You can effectively locate relevant theories by exploring foundational texts and current scholarly work in your field.
Here are the primary strategies to help you discover suitable theories for your theoretical framework:
1. Search Encyclopedias and Books
A great starting point is to delve into established resources like encyclopedias and books that cover your subject area. These resources often provide overviews of key concepts and associated theoretical perspectives.
- Identify Core Concepts: Begin by pinpointing the central ideas or subjects you are investigating.
- Explore Reference Materials:
- Try searching encyclopedias and books for the concept or subject area you're interested. Academic encyclopedias (both general and subject-specific) and textbooks are valuable.
- Review the entries and look for a section on theories. Look for keywords like "theories," "models," "approaches," or "perspectives" within relevant chapters or entries.
- Follow Citations: Once you find a mention of a theory, check the references or bibliography for the original source or key works related to that theory.
Example: If your research is on "student motivation," you might look up "motivation" or "learning theories" in an educational psychology encyclopedia. You'd likely find sections discussing theories like Self-Determination Theory, Expectancy-Value Theory, or Attribution Theory.
2. Search Scholarly Articles
Examining how other researchers are addressing similar topics is another powerful method for identifying relevant theories. Scholarly articles provide insights into the theories currently being applied and debated in your field.
- Search Academic Databases: Use databases like JSTOR, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, or Google Scholar to find peer-reviewed articles related to your specific topic.
- Refine Your Search: Use keywords related to your subject along with terms like "theory," "framework," "model," or the names of theories you might have found in initial searches.
- Review the Literature:
- Another strategy is to search scholarly articles on your topic to see what theories are being used in the literature. Read abstracts, introductions, and especially the "Literature Review" or "Theoretical Framework" sections of relevant articles.
- Pay attention to recurring theories or discussions about which theories are most appropriate for your subject.
- Analyze Theory Application: See how authors use a particular theory to explain or analyze their research problem. This helps you understand the theory's scope and applicability.
Example: Searching "online learning engagement theory" in an academic database might reveal articles using theories like the Community of Inquiry framework or Social Cognitive Theory to understand student interaction and participation in online environments.
Choosing Your Theory
Once you have identified potential theories, evaluate them based on how well they align with your research question, your variables, and the specific phenomena you intend to study.
| Finding Method | Where to Look | What to Look For | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Encyclopedias & Books | Subject-specific texts, academic encycloped | Sections on "theories," "models" | Provides foundational understanding, broad scope |
| Scholarly Articles | Academic databases, journals | "Theoretical Framework," "Literature Review" | Shows current application, specific examples |
Combining both methods can provide a comprehensive understanding, helping you select a theory that is both foundational and currently relevant to your research area.
