Discussion:The Role of Theoretical Lens in Qualitative Research
The role of theoretical lens in qualitative research is used to help design the research question(s), the selection and interpretation of data, and explanations of causes and or influences (Reeves, et al, 2008). Moreover, theories provide researchers with a theoretical lens to look at complex situations, social issues, with a focus on diverse aspects of the data, and postulate a framework to conduct an analysis of the data collected. Creswell (2009) theoretical lens is an advocacy perspective that not only molds the types of questions of gender, class, race, and other marginalized groups, but causes a call to action for change.
The role of theoretical lens in qualitative research is dependent on the type of research design (Creswell, 2007; Tavallae & Talib, 2010).
Furthermore, qualitative researchers are guided as to what issues are important to be explored and how the researcher positions themselves in the qualitative study. A few of the theoretical lenses used by qualitative researchers include the following: feminist perspective views women's diversity and the institutions that frame those situations; critical theory lens are focused on empowering individuals to overcome the limitations placed on them such as: racism, poverty, class, and gender, and queer theory focus is on the cultural and political aspects of individuals that classify themselves as lesbians, gays, bisexuals, or transgender, to name a few.
Reference:
Creswell, J. W. (2009) Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.