Strategies for the Development and Application of Research Frameworks in Sciences Education Research

Lindelani  Mnguni

doi:10.36941/jesr-2021-0123

Authors

Lindelani Mnguni Office of Teaching and Learning, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Ave., Braamfontein 2000, Johannesburg, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2021-0123

Keywords:

Contextual framework, Framework of constructs, Research frameworks, Science education, Theoretical framework

Abstract

Recent research in social sciences and education shows that a significant number of studies are neither reproducible nor repeatable. This compromises the validity, reliability and trustworthiness of these studies, as they violate the prescriptions of the nature of science. This lack of validity, reliability and trustworthiness could be due to poorly conceptualized research frameworks, including the conceptual framework and theoretical framework. Additionally, there is an apparent confusion on the difference between the research frameworks and their role in research. The current paper defines the different research frameworks that are used in science education. It also provides systematic strategies for the development and application of research frameworks in science education research. By using these systematic strategies, researchers could enhance the validity, reliability and trustworthiness of their research.

Received: 2 August 2021 / Accepted: 18 September 2021 / Published: 5 November 2021