Frank (2011) talked about the importance of frameworks in the research. Frank believed that framework is like a scaffold which could help works to repair every parts of the building, and it has at least 4 advantages: to offer a structure for conceptualizing and designing the research, to make the data meaningful, to transcend common sense and to give a deeper understanding.He also categorized frameworks in 3 types: theoretical frameworks, practical frameworks and conceptual frameworks. Each of the three framework has it own advantages and drawbacks. At the end of the article, Frank talked about why those frameworks were ignored or misunderstood and introduced Churchman(1971)’s 5 inquiry systems to guide the research. A point Frank talked about stopped my reading, and it is about the drawback of practical frameworks. Since practical frameworks need practitioners and participants, these kinds of people are called “insiders” in the research. Although they do realize that their behaviours have special meanings and effects, they could not relate the behaviours to structural features and cause of social practices, etc., because they just think that it is natural and take it for granted. I think that kind of disadvantage of practical frameworks is inevitable. Since this framework intends to engage people who are directly involved, and it directly neglects the “outsiders” who might know nothing about the practice (or they might have more objective opinion about it). However, I wonder that how about the novices in a certain research? They should be recognized as “insiders” or “outsiders” in this framework? Since they have not totally involved in it yet, and have more plasticity.
research question
I am studying the distinction and innovation of senior education in China. because I want to find out who/ how/ why the unique or specific problems of senior education in China and what kinds of senior education does the government or institutions provide to senior people and why they choose to provide this kind of education? In the past several decades, what innovation and creation have been involved in senior education. What are the advantages and shortages of senior education in China and what is the biggest problem of senior education in China. In order to better understand how/ why/ what the past and current situation about senior education in China. The relationship between the condition of the country and the education modes. What kinds of senior education are quite common in China, and what kinds of senior education are appropriate for seniors in China? Who are the educators of senior education and what kinds of courses they are interested in and useful in their se...
Hi Crystal, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us on your reading about research framework. I am interested in learning more about differences between conceptual and theoretical frameworks and how could these frameworks to be applied in various research settings(or target specific populations). Also, I think your point on practical framework is very good one. Who should be considered as “inside” or “outsider”? Something I learned from my reading is that research sometimes can be political and is a reflection of social issues. Is it possible for researchers/participants to be neutral and how could we design our researching in a way which aims to be as objective and inclusive as possible?
ReplyDeleteHi Crystal,
ReplyDeleteYour article is very useful and thank you for summerizing for us! You mentioned that according to the author, one of the disadvantages of practical framework is the unawareness of the structural features and cause of social practices of some special behaviors of the "insiders". But to me, that is not necessarily a drawback because it is the researchers' job to further study the issue. It would just inspire more research right?
As for your question, I think as long as a person is direct involved in the research, he can be considered as an insider.