| name | conceptual-frameworks |
| description | Use when building or using conceptual and theoretical frameworks in qualitative research. |
Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks
A conceptual framework organizes key concepts and their proposed relationships for inquiry. A theoretical framework anchors the study more explicitly in named theories. Frameworks can clarify focus—or force data if deployed insensitively.
Conceptual vs theoretical
- Conceptual: often diagrammatic; may combine constructs from several sources without full commitment to one grand theory.
- Theoretical: cites specific theories (e.g., Bourdieu, stress-process models) to interpret mechanisms.
The boundary is fuzzy in practice; be explicit about what you are doing.
Role in qualitative research (non-GT)
In case studies, ethnographies, or thematic analyses, frameworks can:
- Provide sensitizing concepts (Blumer).
- Guide initial sampling or interview topics.
- Offer dialogue partners in discussion sections.
Glaser’s stance: no framework before GT (classic)
In Glaserian classic GT, avoid importing a substantive-area framework before emergence. Literature prior to analysis can force categories. Instead, develop theoretical sensitivity through broad reading outside the substantive area and through memoing.
If a framework appears later, treat extant theory as more data to compare against your emergent theory.
When frameworks are appropriate
Framework-first approaches can be appropriate when:
- Your question is explicitly theory-testing or critical (not classic GT).
- You use program theory evaluation designs.
- You conduct deductive qualitative content analysis with transparent rules.
Building a framework from literature (when allowed)
- Map constructs and claims across sources.
- Identify contradictions and boundary conditions.
- Draft a diagram with directional hypotheses framed as working ideas, not shackles.
- Iterate after early data—revise or abandon what fails to fit.
Visual representation
Use boxes for constructs, arrows for proposed influences, footnotes for contested links. Keep legends and definitions adjacent; avoid spaghetti diagrams.
Sensitizing concepts (Blumer)
Sensitizing concepts give direction without determining findings: they suggest what kinds of things matter (e.g., “career,” “negotiation”) while leaving content open.
Integration with analysis
If you start with sensitizing concepts, log every moment a concept did not fit—those moments often birth new categories.
Checklist
References (starting points)
- Blumer, H. Symbolic interactionism: Perspective and method — sensitizing concepts.
- Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook — matrix-based conceptual displays.
- Glaser, B. G. Theoretical Sensitivity — caution on imported frameworks in GT.
