Quantitative Theoretical and Conceptual Framework Use in Agricultural Education Research

Abstract

The purpose of this philosophical paper was to articulate the disciplinary tenets for consideration when using theory in agricultural education quantitative research. The paper clarified terminology around the concept of theory in social sciences and introduced inaccuracies of theory use in agricultural education quantitative research. Finally, some specific theory uses were outlined. This philosophical paper purported that theory in quantitative research in agricultural education should be used to: 1. help develop or guide a program, through which aspects of the program itself are researched; 2. define or prescribe how a variable is measured; 3. test middle-range or substantive theories; and 4. articulate and provide rationale behind the relationships between or among variables. A clear delineation for theory use in quantitative research potentially serves the profession to focus more clearly on investigating quality, in-depth, research problems communicable to broader contexts.