Theories in Qualitative Research

According to the research approach, Bradbury-Jones, et al. (2014) proposed a five-point typology on the levels of theoretical visibility, testing this against a range of published research from five key international health, medicine, and social science journals. The typology captures a range of visibility–from seemingly absent-through to highly visible and applied throughout. There was a clear gradient in this assessment–only a minority appeared to use theory consistently throughout a study. The authors outlined several challenges to consistently applying theory in qualitative research and suggest potential solutions. This article is based on the argument that the lack of theory in qualitative research undermines its quality. The typology is offered to assist researchers in applying theory in their research and critiquing its use in the work of others.

Bradbury-Jones, C., Taylor, J., & Herber, O. (2014). How theory is used and articulated in qualitative research: development of a new typology. Social Science & Medicine, 120135-141. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2014.09.014

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Video: Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009j). Theory. Baltimore, MD: Author