Discussion question responses and analysis

¶ … relationships among variables and setting limits or boundaries for the proposed study" (Writing the theoretical framework, 2013, BOLD Educational Software). In some instances, a theoretical framework may be derived from the existing literature in the form of a pre-existing theory such as feminism, functionalism, or conflict management. Or, in the case of a grounded theory approach, the theory may be derived after the research is conducted. In contrast, with the case of conceptual frameworks, there is no formal theory and the research is used to examine possible courses of action; to clarify observations, or to provide a prospective rather than a completely-formatted framework (Nalzaro 2012).

The qualitative research article by Clarkson (1996) entitled "Researching the 'therapeutic relationship' in psychoanalysis" offers a 'meta-analysis' of the discipline of psychology itself. Psychology is an arena which unites both theory and practice. Clarkson asks: "Why are there so many distinct and very different approaches to psychotherapy? Why does the relationship [of the therapist to the client] appear to be more important in assessing the effectiveness of psychotherapy than adherence to any of these many theoretical approaches?" (Clarkson 1996). To answer these speculative questions, Clarkson explores a variety of texts, some of which are not strictly academic in nature. She also combines her anecdotal experience and wisdom gained over the course of her work as a practicing psychoanalyst. Clarkson identifies her work as broadly conceptual. "The conceptual framework for this investigation is broadly drawn from the disciplinary fields of psychoanalysis/psychotherapy, psychology and counselling -- all the forms of helping through talking. These can be visualized as three overlapping circles" (Clarkson 1996). Rather than to support an existing theory or to create a new one about the efficacy of psychoanalysis or come to a definitive conclusion, Clarkson instead deigns to use a variety of lenses to offer possible explanations for a particular phenomenon. Clarkson does refer to her study as 'postmodern' in orientation, but postmodernism's focus on multiplicity and many ways of knowing is more expansive than limiting in the manner of a traditional theoretical framework. References Clarkson, P. (1996). Researching the 'therapeutic relationship' in psychoanalysis, counselling psychology. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 9 (2): 143.

Nalzaro, L. (2012). Theoretical and conceptual framework. Slide Share. Retrieved:

http://www.slideshare.net/ludymae/chapter-6theoretical-conceptual-framework

Writing the theoretical framework. (2013). BOLD Educational Software. Retrieved:

http://bold-ed.com/framework.htm

First Response:

Ascertaining the theoretical or conceptual frameworks of a study seems to get convoluted with semantics. Patton (2002) maintains "…reducing any complex and multifaceted disciplines to a singular burning question oversimplifies" (p. 80). If I did not know better, Ludwig Wittgenstein had his hand in defining these concepts. This discussion will attempt to make a distinction between theoretical and conceptual frameworks and ascertain which framework best fits the assigned article authored by Clarkson (1996).