RSCH 6110 W2 Dis1 Response

Week 2: Theory

Theory is a natural extension of the philosophy of science, and a theoretical framework(s) will typically underpin most research studies. As you evaluate research, and consider your own research topic, you will find that “philosophy, theory, and method are interrelated and fit together like pieces in a puzzle . . . One’s philosophical perspectives affect the way one chooses a theoretical perspective” (Miller & Burbank, 1994, as cited in Burkholder & Burbank, p. 14).

This week, you will explore two pieces of this puzzle as you consider the role of theory in research and apply what you learned from last week to understanding the connection between philosophical orientations and the epistemological and ontological assumptions of theory. You will also use research databases to identify a theory in your discipline and explain its basic tenets.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

Explain role of theory in research

Use research databases and scholarly sources to identity a theory in your discipline

Explain basic tenets of a theory

Describe alignment between epistemological and ontological assumptions of a theory and philosophical orientations

Apply APA Style to writing

Learning Resources

Required Readings

de Vaus, D. A. (2001). Research design in social research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Chapter 1, “The Context of Design”

Burkholder, G. J., Cox, K. A., Crawford, L. M., & Hitchcock, J.H. (Eds.) (2020). Research design and methods: An applied guide for the scholar-practitioner. SAGE Publications, Inc.

Chapter 3, “Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks in Research”

Babbie, E. (2017). Basics of social research (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Chapter 2, “Paradigms, Theory, and Research”

Walden University: Library. (2015b). Searching and finding information in the library databases: Overview. Retrieved from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/searchingfinding

Be sure to review all sections within this guide: “Overview,” “Keyword Searching,” “Subject and Index Searching,” and “Find Full Text.”

Walden University: Library. (2015c). Theorists and theories: Discover theorists & theories. Retrieved from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/theory

Be sure to review all sections within this guide: “Discover Theorists & Theories,” “Find Books by Theorists,” and “Find Articles by Theorists.”

Required Media

Laureate Education (Producer). (2009f). Theory [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 23 minutes.

Dr. Patton discusses the “big picture” of theory.

Accessible player

Walden University: Library. (2015a). Introduction to the Walden Library [Online webinar]. Retrieved from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/c.php?g=80773&p=518353#85643

Discussion: Role of Theory in Research

Popular usage of the word “theory” may sometimes imply a singular, often grand idea. The world, however, is complex, and the systems designed to understand it, such as theory, are often intricate in order to sufficiently explain the world as it is. Indeed, as you will learn this week, theory is nuanced, and it can also be viewed as a combination of variables, ideas, or constructs to test or advance a research question. In addition, theory tends to play a different role in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research.

For this Discussion, you will consider the role of theory in research and the relationship between theory and philosophical orientations. You will also familiarize yourself with a theory in your field so that you may become more conversant in your discipline’s theoretical foundations.

With these thoughts in mind:

By Day 4

Post an explanation of the role of theory in research. Next, identify a theory in your discipline and explain its basic tenets. Then, with this theory in mind, consider your answer to the following question posed by Drs. Burkholder and Burbank in last week’s reading: “What do I have to believe about the world and about human beings in order for me to accept or use this theory?” (p. 27). Finally, describe the extent to which the epistemological and ontological assumptions of your chosen theory align with the philosophical orientation that reflects your worldview.

Be sure to support your Main Issue Post and Response Post with reference to the week’s Learning Resources and other scholarly evidence in APA Style.

Read a selection of your classmates’ postings.

By Day 6

Respond to a classmate by further supporting his or her response or respectfully offering a differing perspective.

Submission and Grading Information

Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:

Week 2 Discussion Rubric

RSCH 6110 Discussion Rubric

Grid View

List View

POOR

Discussion Posting Content

0 (0%) – 10.4 (34.67%)

Discussion posting demonstrates poor or no understanding of the concepts and key points of the text(s) and Learning Resources. Posting is incorrect and/or shallow, and/or does not include any pertinent examples or provide sufficient evidence from the readings.

Peer Feedback and Interaction

0 (0%) – 6.9 (23%)

Student does not interact with peers (0 points) or the response posting does not contribute to the quality of interaction by offering any constructive critiques, suggestions, questions, or additional resources.

Writing

0 (0%) – 3.4 (11.33%)

Postings are well below graduate-level writing style expectations for organization, scholarly tone, APA Style, and writing, or show heavy reliance on quoting.

Post by Day 4 and Respond by Day 6

To participate in this Discussion:

Week 2 Discussion

Shawntal (Please write 200 words and references response to shawntal)

Zone of Proximal Development

COLLAPSE

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Throughout undergrad theory was a word that we would hear consistently; however, no one truly told us what the main role of theory was in the field of psychology. When we think about theory, we can identify two main reasons why theory is such a key part of research: theory can identify patterns that can later hold different opportunities, and theory is seen to lead to new findings in science (Babbie,2017). In addition, any theory is seen to have steps or a process to building a theory. For example the theory framework, the kind of research it is, the type of research it will include, etc (de Vaus, 2001).

On the other hand, within my field of study, there is a theory called the Zone of Proximal Development. This theory was founded by Leo Vygotsky and expands on the differences between what the learner can do during a task without help in comparison to what the learner can do with the guidance of someone who is skilled in the task (Harland,2003). This theory allows learning to be experienced and taught differently than the traditional lines. For example, I use to work in ABA therapy and the process along with the characteristics are similar to the Zone of Proximal Development. The objective of ABA therapy is to help the client do things independently. However, when we are working with the client we allow them to try the task at hand first before we intervene and correct the action. These steps are repeated multiple times throughout the session until the client has mastered the skill and can then accomplish the task without aid.

Within last week’s reading, Burkholder asked: “What do I have to believe about the world and about human beings in order for me to accept or use this theory?” (Burkholder, Cox, Crawford & Hitchcock,2020). The one thing I have to believe about the world and about humans is that they will try to accomplish the task without the help of others. I would have to believe that people are going, to be honest about wanting to try new things in their lives and learn from them in order for me to accept Zone of Proximal Development.

Zone of Proximal Development is seen to carry a theoretical framework with a descriptive research pattern. A theoretical framework focuses on a single theory where research can be understood clearly (Walden University Library, 2015c). My ontological assumption that the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) can be studied further and align with my constructivist philosophical orientation is that ZPD is a qualitative study that involves the attention of the participant on the task and the observation of the study.

Babbie. E. (2017). Basics of social research (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Burkholder, G. J., Cox, K. A., Crawford, L.M., & Hitchcock, J.H (Eds.) (2020). Research design and methods: An applied guide for the scholar-practitioner. SAGE publications, Inc.

de Vaus, D. A. (2001). Research design in social research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Harland, T. (2003). Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development and Problem-based Learning: Linking a theoretical concept with practice through action research. Teaching in Higher Education, 8(2), 263–272. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1080/1356251032000052483

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Masuka (Please write 200 words and references response to Masuka)

Role of Theory in Research

COLLAPSE

Top of Form

My ontological assumption that depression is knowledge and can be studied aligns with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) theoretical orientation because depression can be identified as knowledge through interviews and observations. A qualitative approach best supports analysis of interviews and observations.

“What do I have to believe about the world and about human beings in order for me to accept or use this theory?” (p. 27).

In my view, I reflect back my theoretical orientations back to some factors that include life experiences, personal beliefs and values, perspectives on how people change. Also, my own counseling work with people in church and professional experiences working with diverse client populations. Carl Rogers who discovered person-centered therapy expressed the crucial conditions for therapy are obtained having a therapeutic relationship with itself. I have to believe we all are different on how we react to stimuli and it starts with our mind in how we think where our decisions come forth and decide our direction. We all start in our minds and what we think or what we think others think of us can determine our behaviors and reactions. In addressing depression or what I call heaviness upon the mind, starts in our thoughts, so in believing about human beings and accept to use this theory is knowing we all have to think in order to take a step which leads me to use (CBT) theoretical orientation that helps with cognitive reconstructing that can get people out of this depression or heaviness. This will help confront peoples thought process and belief patterns to help examine how these thoughts affect and create their behaviors.

Finally, describe the extent to which the epistemological and ontological assumptions of your chosen theory align with the philosophical orientation that reflects your worldview.

In the reading it states “before a builder or architect can develop a work plan or order materials they must first establish the type of building required, its uses and the needs of the occupants (Burkholder, Cox, Crawford, & Hitchcock, 2020). The extent to which the epistemological assumptions align with cognitive behavior theory that reflects my worldview is limited by the use of an assessment scale such as a patient health questionnaire or assessment such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) where data can be reported however it will not be as beneficial. Reporting data from an assessment does not shared experiences. However, ontological assumptions align with cognitive behavioral therapy due to its nature of building a closer rapport with clients by the use of interviews and observation during counseling sessions. Ontological approach allows the individual to share experiences in observation. This reflects more of my worldview because it emphasizes on sharing individual’s experiences, observation, listening to how they think which will allow more information to be provided on the person’s problems to chose the best course of action.

Reference

Burkholder, G. J., Cox, K. A., Crawford, L. M., & Hitchcock, J. H. (Eds.). (2020). Research designs and methods: An applied guide for the scholar-practitioner. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

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