conceptual-frameworks

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)

1. Map constructs and claims across sources.
2. Identify contradictions and boundary conditions.
3. Draft a diagram with directional hypotheses framed as working ideas, not shackles.
4. 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

• Framework purpose stated (sensitizing vs testing vs GT-post-emergence).
• Classic GT: pre-study substantive forcing avoided.
• Definitions operationalized enough to guide (not strangle) inquiry.
• Visual model readable; arrows interpreted.
• Revisions tracked when data challenge the framework.

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.