Review the purpose, RQ(s), and initial thoughts on a framework, and discuss whether you agree with the type of framework or why you may want to consider another type of framework. Must be in a substantive way

Information:

A theory contains multiple concepts that use relational statements to describe the influences and relationships the concepts have on one another to explain a particular phenomenon (Gray & Grove, 2021). A theoretical framework is considered to be the foundational structure, supporting the research problem, purpose, rationale, and research questions relying on formal theories (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). Ravitch & Carl (2021) describe conceptual frameworks as the basis of the necessary elements that will be incorporated into the study, complete with rationale serving as a guide to the research design. Grant & Osanloo (2014) state a conceptual framework links different concepts that, when linked, define the relationships among them and within the overall theoretical framework. Building a conceptual framework allows for a visual representation of concepts, highlighting the relationships between them and integrating new concepts, allowing for level-setting and transparency.

Describe the connection between research questions and the framework (either type).

The connection between research questions and theoretical frameworks is rooted in the existing knowledge that a theoretical framework provides on a phenomenon (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). The framework defines the variables, facilitates the development of hypotheses, and provides validity to the phenomena of interest (Burkholder et al., 2020). The meaning a theoretical framework can provide can strengthen the justification for the research study.

Share your problem, purpose, and RQ(s), and discuss your initial thoughts on which type of framework might be best suited to your dissertation and why.

The research problem I am currently working on is the phenomenon of doctoral students' dependent caregiving responsibilities and the impact on academic progress in starting, maintaining, and completing a doctoral program. I have defined dependents as children, aging parents, and adult-dependent siblings. To date, I can only find literature on pregnancy and parenthood; I have not found literature on aging parents or adult-dependent siblings. I think these two groups need to be explored in addition to being parents.

For a quantitative approach, the purpose is to determine the existence and the extent of the relationship between doctoral students' caregiver responsibilities and academic progression in a doctoral program.

The research question is, "What is the relationship between doctoral students' caregiving responsibilities and academic progression in Ph.D. nursing programs?" Hypothesis: There is statistical significance between increased caregiver responsibilities and decreased engagement or completion of a doctoral program. Null hypothesis: There is no statistical significance between caregiving responsibilities and engagement and completion of a doctoral program.

For a qualitative approach, the purpose is to explore caregiving responsibilities in the academic experience of doctoral students.

The research question is, "How do doctoral students describe caregiving responsibilities while managing doctoral student responsibilities?"

I believe a theoretical framework will best support my dissertation regardless of the research design. Role Theory, specifically role conflict, is when a person experiences incompatible social roles that cause distress (Atkinson, 2023). Role strain and role overload are affiliated with role theory and conflict and are often considered together (Grady et al., 2014). Overall, role theory, conflict, strain, and overload will help me lay a foundation to justify why this research study is needed. Hopefully, by understanding this phenomenon, social change will be impacted by increasing the number of doctorally prepared nurses in the workforce.

Elaina

Reference

Atkinson, W. (2023). Field theory, role theory, and role conflict: Reappropriating insights from the past.Journal of Classical Sociology. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468795X231208456

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.Sage.

Grady, R. K., La Touche, R., Oslawski-Lopez, J., Powers, A., & Simacek, K. (2014). Betwixt and Between: The Social Position and Stress Experiences of Graduate Students.Teaching Sociology,42(1), 5-16. https://doi.org/10.1177/0092055X13502182

Grant, C., & Osanloo, A. (2014).Understanding, selecting, and integrating a theoretical framework in dissertation research: Creating the blueprint for your "house".Administrative Issues Journal: Education, Practice, And Research, 4(2), 12-26.

Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2021).Burns & Grove's the practice of nursing research:Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence(9th ed.). Elsevier

Ravitch, S. M., & Carl, N. M. (2021).Qualitative research: Bridging the conceptual, theoretical, and methodological(2nd ed.) Sage Publications.