The Theory–Approach Linkage

As you prepare to complete your literature review, it is important to understand the relationship between theory and the qualitative approach. For this Discussion, you will analyze this relationship and how it is—or is not — reflected in the articles you have chosen.

To prepare for this Discussion:

Review the course text readings for this week and the media segment on theory.

Consider the role of theory in qualitative research.

Review the articles you have located for your literature review thus far. In each one, how clear is the alignment of theory with the choice of qualitative approach for the study? How well do the authors justify the alignment?

Which article stands out to you as the best example of alignment between theory and approach? Why?

Draw inferences from the qualitative articles in your literature review to answer the following question: “What is the relationship between theory and qualitative approach?”

With these thoughts in mind:

The Assignment
Post a 3-paragraph analysis of the relationship between theory and qualitative approach based on what you saw in the articles for your literature review. Select one article to highlight as the best example of theory-approach alignment and explain why you chose that article (include the APA reference for the article).

When appropriate, be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the reading(s) and/or video program(s), using APA format.