Planning, Draw a Visual Model

¶ … planning, draw a visual model of the variables in the theory using the procedures for casual model design advanced in this chapter.

For a quantitative proposal regarding the wage gap between male and female professionals, a feminist perspective from feminist theory could serve as a theoretical foundation for the measures and variables of the proposed study itself. According to the principles of feminist theory, women are socially and professionally subjugated. Thus, the gender wage gap has been a commonplace for generations. Yet, with all of this talk of equality, a proposed study could show the real progression of the gender wage gap and how it compares as it is today by yesterday's standards. Thus from this theoretical foundation, a casual model can be drawn up to isolate the explicit variables within the study framework.

Locate qualitative journal articles that (a) use an a priori theory that is modified during the process of research, (b) generate or developed a theory at the end of the study, and (c) represent descriptive research without the use of an explicit theoretical model.

A priori theories are sometimes harder to use, and are often used as the context of qualitative studies. In order to work within the context of these types of studies, research musts till be descriptive, without the use of an explicit theoretical model. The case of Because they rely on a presumption regarding society as their theoretical foundations, proper implementation of such theoretical research should involve modification of the initial theory. For example, in Avgitidou (2009), the presumption is that better facilitation for teacher training can increase cooperation and participation within the teacher community and improve overall strategies used within education. Additionally, a more measurable theory must come with the conclusions of the study. In this particular case, it is the idea that the facilitation of the elements of action research, by providing a more supportive community for teacher growth, educational opportunities then increase for students. Thus, the theory serves as an end point for the research that is continually modified through the course of the study in order to present a theoretical approach to explaining its findings, rather than a theoretical approach to begin inquiry as a starting point in many quantitative research methods.

4. Locate a mixed methods study that uses a theoretical lens, such as a feminist, ethnic/racial, or class perspective. Identity specifically how the lens shapes the steps taken in the research process, using Box 3.1 as a guide.