Theoretical Framework or Logical Structure

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Theoretical FrameworkorLogical Structure
EDFN 8773 Fall, 1997
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Theoretical Framework Defined

• A theoretical framework may be a set of
  independent categories that together might
  comprise a taxonomy of the phenomenon within the
  territory of the problem.
• The categories are tied together or
  interconnected by a theory that postulates a set
  of relationships between and among the categories
• Both the categories and the relationships may be
  derived from a set of basic postulates

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• A theoretical framework can be thought of as a
  MAP with conceptual directions. It is
• a description of the major variables operating
  within the territory of the problem
• framed by the researchers overarching view of
  how the variables hang together to form a model
  that potentially leads to new understandings

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Effects of inservice for teachers

• Categories might include
• the training
• differential characteristics of trainees
• new knowledge acquired as a result
• changed behavior
• program improvement
• better practice
• student outcomes
• But what might tie these pieces together?

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What else might affect these outcomes???
Theoretical Framework, example 1
Peer Expectations
Administrator Expectations
Experimental Group
Pretest
Inservice Training
Student Achievement
Teacher Behavioral Change
Sense of Efficacy
Control Group
Sex Age Other
Posttest
Quality of Training
Independent Variables
Moderator Variables
Dependent Variables
The effectiveness of inservice training
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Experimental Group
Inservice Training
Teacher Behavioral Change
Control Group
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Inservice Training
Student Achievement
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Experimental Group
Inservice Training
Student Achievement
Control Group
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Theoretical Framework, example 2
What other events might precede delinquency???
Rejection by Normal peers
Poor Parenting
Child Conduct Problems
Commitment to deviant peer group
Delinquency
Academic Failure
A model for antisocial behavior
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Theoretical Framework, example 3
Organizational Design Features
Outcomes
Bureaucratic Structures Processes
S c h o o l D e m o g r a p h I c s
---Competition ---Compliance ---Homogeneity ---Seg
regation ---Formality
External Locus of Causality Isolation Disengag
ement Indifference
Schools by Levels of Implementation (LOI)
-Hierarchy -Centralization -Task
Specialization -Standardization
Test Scores Retention Expulsion Teacher Turnover
Honor Roll
---Collaboration ---Self Direction ---Heterogeneit
y ---Integration ---Informality
Internal Locus of Causality Collegiality Com
mitment Caring
-Heterarchy -Decentralization -Task/Role
Diversity -Flexibility Discretion
Democratic Structures Processes
H1 Schools that fully implement the practices of
the middle school philosophy will be more
democratic school organizations
achieving superior results
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Theoretical Framework, example 4
How religious orientation shapes school board
policy decisions
R e s o u r c e s
Values Friendships Legality Expertise
Religious Orientation
Reference Groups
Decision Styles
Decision Mechanisms
V a l u e s
Authority
Sense Experience
Science Logic
Feelings Intuition
H1 The policy decisions of school board members
are determined by the unique combination of
religious orientation, personal values and
decision processes of each member