Qualitative Research Methods: The Application of Conceptual Framework in Psychology - Literature review Example

A theoretical framework, according to Anfara (2006) involves arguments, definitions of terms used in the text that is presented in a systematic manner and address the problem in question directly. It provides clear and general guidelines that represent how things between different phenomena relate A conceptual framework has been used in the study of counseling psychology (Clarkson 1996). The study sought to find out the relationship between various variables that included psychology, psychoanalysis, and counseling and drew a general conclusion about the relationship between the three.

To arrive at the decision, the study was based on literature sources and incorporated other sources of information such as personal experiences, clinical data, and observations and knowledge from supervising. Incorporation of a variety of variables for study in the study made the study assume the conceptual framework study. The study revealed the relationship between a number of forms of psycho-therapeutic endeavor and their importance to a therapeutic relationship. The inferences drawn from the study shows the differences between psychoanalysis, the psychology applied in counseling and psychotherapy.

The effects and results of each one of these forms of therapy are compared to determine its effects on a person. Literature review on the topic and application of actual study to relate documented information and the actual findings in the field makes the study take a specific mode of study, and thus the conclusion that the study was more of a conceptual framework rather than a theoretical study. The use of flow charts to show ideological patterns and graphs to show study results is proving of the conceptual framework used in the study.

Facts about psychology, psychoanalysis, and psychotherapy are arrived at after a thorough investigation by sampling techniques (Clarkson 1996).