A Practical Guide to Theoretical Frameworks for Social Science Research

This practical book provides a guide to finding, choosing, and applying theoretical frameworks to social sciences research, offering clear definitions, primary tenets, historical context, highlights of challenges, and successful examples. It defines and explains the connections between concepts such as ontology, epistemology, paradigm, theory, frameworks, and research methodology. It also offers brief overviews of particular theories in sociology, psychology, education, leadership, public policy, political science, economics, organizational studies, and business.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 13 February 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for navigating the complex terrain of identifying, selecting, and applying theoretical frameworks to social sciences research. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers seeking to deepen their understanding of philosophical orientations and effectively position their work within the broader landscape of empirical and theoretical knowledge.

The book adopts a multifaceted approach, offering clear and concise definitions of key concepts such as ontology, epistemology, paradigm, theory, theoretical frameworks, conceptual frameworks, and research methodology. It delves into the intricate connections between these concepts, shedding light on their interdependencies and facilitating a deeper comprehension of the research process.

The authors meticulously describe the process of finding and effectively utilizing theoretical and conceptual frameworks in research, emphasizing the importance of rigorous scholarship and critical thinking. They provide insightful overviews of various theories within diverse disciplines, including sociology, psychology, education, leadership, public policy, political science, economics, organizational studies, and business. Each chapter offers a concise yet comprehensive exploration of the theory, encompassing its definition, practical applications, historical background, key terms, and concepts.

Furthermore, the book includes a dedicated chapter on critical theories, which delves into the examination and critique of dominant ideologies and power structures. Each critical theory is presented with a clear definition, explores its utility for researchers, discusses its foundations and principles, outlines key terms and concepts, showcases examples of theoretical applications, and provides an overview of its strengths and limitations.

This book serves as an invaluable resource for researchers at all stages of their careers, particularly for graduate students and early career researchers seeking to establish a strong foundation in theoretical knowledge and apply it to their research endeavors. Its comprehensive coverage, clear explanations, and practical examples offer a solid foundation for understanding complex concepts and theories, enabling researchers to develop a more nuanced and informed perspective on their field of study.

In conclusion, this practical book is a must-read for anyone interested in advancing their understanding of theoretical frameworks and their application to social sciences research. It provides researchers with the scaffolding needed to reflect on their philosophical orientations, better situate their work in the existing knowledge landscape, and contribute to the ongoing development of social sciences theory and practice.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 174 x 246 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032199924