After picking out key broad themes under a given topic of inquiry, is it okay to build a proposed conceptual framework before the data collection starts (which is reflected in my research questions and interview guide) and then build on specific themes under those broad themes as the data collection unfolds? Or would such an approach create bias in the study as I have already identified key themes and would ask the respondents questions in and around those themes? For example- In a study trying to understand the key factors at the individual, societal, and institutional level which contribute to unmet needs/ barriers to care for HIV patients in India, is it okay to categorize themes into- individual, societal, and institutional levels and ask questions on those? Or should I go for data collection with no such structure in mind?
This is a very good and important question.
My suggestion would be:
1) discuss this issues explictly in your methods section to demonstrate your level of critical self-reflection
2) create a conceptual model including your a priori theoretical assumptions (you have them anyway, so make them exlicit and communicate them in a chart)
3) During data collection and data interpretation remain open to both: data that support your a priori model and data that challenges it.
4) Create an a posteriori model that is informed by your data. Compare both models and discuss their similarities and differences.
5) Use a posteriori model to create hypotheses / research questions for future research and mention them in the outlook of your work
• Define a phenomenon
• Map different definitions and understandings of a phenomenon
• Propose links between activities and outcomes
• Explore possible reasons for phenomena
• Propose an explanation (theory) for observations
see these references :
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.
Reeves S., Albert M.,Kuper A., Hodges B.D. Why use theories in qualitative research? BMJ 2008; 337: a949
Ritzer G. (1991) Meta-theorizing in Sociology. Lexington MA: Lexicon Books
Petticrew M, Roberts H. (2006) Systematic reviews in the social sciences: a practical guide. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing.
Garside R, Pearson M, Moxham T. What influences the uptake of information to prevent skin cancer? A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative research. Health Education Research. 2010; 25 (1): 162-182
What you describe is very similar to the method I have developed under the heading, "Iterative Thematic Inquiry."
Article Iterative Thematic Inquiry: A New Method for Analyzing Quali...
Thank you so much for you valuable insights Nicola Döring Mohamed Salaheldeen and David L Morgan will definitely read up on the method, thanks a lot!
Your conceptual framework is the logical outcome of your literature review. It is also termed as pre-empirical framework. Because your pre-empirical framework is based on your literature review and doesn't relate specifically to the context, data, and contents of your study, it is, therefore, expected that after the data analysis, your pre-empirical framework will modify into a post-empirical framework (research findings). Comparison between pre-empirical and post-empirical frameworks provides a good foundation for discussion.
ualitative research is defined as a market research method that focuses on obtaining data through open-ended and conversational communication.
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