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Degree Doctor
United Kingdom
Registrace 1. 01. 2022
Hey, PhD students! Welcome to Degree Doctor!
I’m Dr Elizabeth Yardley, here to help you finish your qualitative research thesis.
Drawing on my 20 years' experience as a social science professor, I'll help you smash your imposter syndrome and push through procrastination as well as supporting you in writing the individual chapters of your dissertation.
You CAN complete your doctorate, and my videos will help you do a great job of it.
I'm cheering you on all the way, from your literature review to your discussion and conclusions, I've got you covered!
Make sure you grab a copy of my 25 Literature Review Sentence Starters Cheat Sheet, it works wonders for writer's block. It's available in my channel links, go check them out!
I’m Dr Elizabeth Yardley, here to help you finish your qualitative research thesis.
Drawing on my 20 years' experience as a social science professor, I'll help you smash your imposter syndrome and push through procrastination as well as supporting you in writing the individual chapters of your dissertation.
You CAN complete your doctorate, and my videos will help you do a great job of it.
I'm cheering you on all the way, from your literature review to your discussion and conclusions, I've got you covered!
Make sure you grab a copy of my 25 Literature Review Sentence Starters Cheat Sheet, it works wonders for writer's block. It's available in my channel links, go check them out!
Grand theory – A simple explanation for first year PhD students
Wondering about grand theory? Looking for a simple explanation as a first year PhD student? You’re in the right place!
In this video, we’re diving into the fascinating (and sometimes intimidating) world of Grand Theory. Now, I know that just hearing the words "Grand Theory" might make you want to roll your eyes or run for the hills, but trust me - this is going to be fun, insightful, and super relevant to your PhD journey.
So, what exactly is Grand Theory? Well, think of it as those big ideas that try to explain how society functions on a large scale. Grand Theories aren’t about the nitty-gritty details; they’re about the overarching principles that help us understand how societies work, change, and maintain order. We’re talking about theories that hover above everyday life, asking the big questions like, "How is this whole society working? Or… not working?"
In this video, I’ll walk you through what Grand Theory is all about and introduce you to some of the heavyweights in this area - like Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Feminist Theory. These theories aren’t just for the ivory tower; they have real-world implications, and I’ll show you how to use them to supercharge your own research.
If you’ve ever felt a bit ‘meh’ about theory or struggled to see how these big ideas fit into your work, you’re not alone. But don’t worry, we’re going to break it all down together, demystify these concepts, and figure out how you can make Grand Theory work for you - not the other way around.
We’ll explore how these theories provide that big-picture view that can shape your research questions, guide your methods, and help you make sense of complex social issues.
We’ll cover everything from understanding these big ideas to applying them in a way that enriches your research. And, spoiler alert - I’ll also be talking about how to combine different levels of theory to create a robust framework for your work.
By the end of this video, you’ll have a clearer understanding of Grand Theory, feel more confident in your ability to engage with it, and - dare I say it? - maybe even find it a bit exciting. So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s get started on making Grand Theory your new research bestie!
Chapters
0:00 - 0:40 Introduction
0:41 - 1:50 What is grand theory?
1:51 - 2:18 Structural functionalism
2:19 - 2:34 Conflict theories
2:35 - 3:17 Feminist theory
3:18 - 4:12 How to use grand theories
4:13 - 4:26 Start with a broad understanding
4:27 - 4:41 Contextualise your research
4:42 - 5:01 Be critical and selective
5:02 - 5:28 Combine grand theory with mid-level theories
5:29 - 5:48 Avoid over generalisation
5:49 - 8:11 Levels of theory in social sciences
8:12 - 9:05 Combining levels of theory
9:06 - 9:35 Conclusion
Other helpful videos
What is a research paradigm and where do you write about them in your thesis? czcams.com/video/56SRTfjBgiE/video.html
Conceptual vs theoretical frameworks czcams.com/video/lkOSTRVWFEM/video.html
Positivism, interpretivism and critical realism explained czcams.com/video/rLK-Vnc5gjg/video.html
Reflective and reflexive, what’s the difference? czcams.com/video/EDDaQiOTVzY/video.html
Writing up qualitative data czcams.com/video/LoLTwn6l5bs/video.html
// More theory, please! //
Need more help with theory, conceptual frameworks and paradigms?
Then check out my blogposts on these topics right here
www.thedegreedoctor.com/blog/category/Paradigms+Conceptual+and+Theoretical+Frameworks
// Take my course, “Paradigms for Beginners” //
If you want a simple, straightforward introduction to paradigms, with no jargon or nonsense, check out my introductory course. We cover positivism, post-positivism, interpretivism, critical realism and pragmatism - so if you want to feel more confident with these, head over here! elizabeth-s-school-3982.thinkific.com/courses/paradigms
In this video, we’re diving into the fascinating (and sometimes intimidating) world of Grand Theory. Now, I know that just hearing the words "Grand Theory" might make you want to roll your eyes or run for the hills, but trust me - this is going to be fun, insightful, and super relevant to your PhD journey.
So, what exactly is Grand Theory? Well, think of it as those big ideas that try to explain how society functions on a large scale. Grand Theories aren’t about the nitty-gritty details; they’re about the overarching principles that help us understand how societies work, change, and maintain order. We’re talking about theories that hover above everyday life, asking the big questions like, "How is this whole society working? Or… not working?"
In this video, I’ll walk you through what Grand Theory is all about and introduce you to some of the heavyweights in this area - like Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Feminist Theory. These theories aren’t just for the ivory tower; they have real-world implications, and I’ll show you how to use them to supercharge your own research.
If you’ve ever felt a bit ‘meh’ about theory or struggled to see how these big ideas fit into your work, you’re not alone. But don’t worry, we’re going to break it all down together, demystify these concepts, and figure out how you can make Grand Theory work for you - not the other way around.
We’ll explore how these theories provide that big-picture view that can shape your research questions, guide your methods, and help you make sense of complex social issues.
We’ll cover everything from understanding these big ideas to applying them in a way that enriches your research. And, spoiler alert - I’ll also be talking about how to combine different levels of theory to create a robust framework for your work.
By the end of this video, you’ll have a clearer understanding of Grand Theory, feel more confident in your ability to engage with it, and - dare I say it? - maybe even find it a bit exciting. So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s get started on making Grand Theory your new research bestie!
Chapters
0:00 - 0:40 Introduction
0:41 - 1:50 What is grand theory?
1:51 - 2:18 Structural functionalism
2:19 - 2:34 Conflict theories
2:35 - 3:17 Feminist theory
3:18 - 4:12 How to use grand theories
4:13 - 4:26 Start with a broad understanding
4:27 - 4:41 Contextualise your research
4:42 - 5:01 Be critical and selective
5:02 - 5:28 Combine grand theory with mid-level theories
5:29 - 5:48 Avoid over generalisation
5:49 - 8:11 Levels of theory in social sciences
8:12 - 9:05 Combining levels of theory
9:06 - 9:35 Conclusion
Other helpful videos
What is a research paradigm and where do you write about them in your thesis? czcams.com/video/56SRTfjBgiE/video.html
Conceptual vs theoretical frameworks czcams.com/video/lkOSTRVWFEM/video.html
Positivism, interpretivism and critical realism explained czcams.com/video/rLK-Vnc5gjg/video.html
Reflective and reflexive, what’s the difference? czcams.com/video/EDDaQiOTVzY/video.html
Writing up qualitative data czcams.com/video/LoLTwn6l5bs/video.html
// More theory, please! //
Need more help with theory, conceptual frameworks and paradigms?
Then check out my blogposts on these topics right here
www.thedegreedoctor.com/blog/category/Paradigms+Conceptual+and+Theoretical+Frameworks
// Take my course, “Paradigms for Beginners” //
If you want a simple, straightforward introduction to paradigms, with no jargon or nonsense, check out my introductory course. We cover positivism, post-positivism, interpretivism, critical realism and pragmatism - so if you want to feel more confident with these, head over here! elizabeth-s-school-3982.thinkific.com/courses/paradigms
zhlédnutí: 263
Video
Research and theory - Which theories should you use in your PhD dissertation?
zhlédnutí 432Před 21 hodinou
Research and theory in your PhD dissertation - which theories should you use, and which should you avoid? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of choosing the right theories for your PhD? Trust me, you're not alone! I’m Dr Elizabeth Yardley, and in my 20 years of supporting PhD students, I've seen many of them struggle with theory. It’s often that one area of research that feels abstract,...
Literature review writing - what to include, what to leave out, how to decide!
zhlédnutí 432Před 28 dny
Literature review writing - what to include, what to leave out, how to decide!
Critical literature review - how to do it well!
zhlédnutí 868Před měsícem
Critical literature review - how to do it well!
Thesis writing - why feedback is super important and how to get over "sending the draft" anxiety!
zhlédnutí 424Před měsícem
Thesis writing - why feedback is super important and how to get over "sending the draft" anxiety!
What is a research paradigm? Where do you write about it in your thesis?
zhlédnutí 1,2KPřed měsícem
What is a research paradigm? Where do you write about it in your thesis?
Literature review dissertation - I can’t find ANY academic work on this topic!
zhlédnutí 474Před 2 měsíci
Literature review dissertation - I can’t find ANY academic work on this topic!
PhD Viva - How to survive your thesis defense!
zhlédnutí 691Před 2 měsíci
PhD Viva - How to survive your thesis defense!
Grounded theory in qualitative research - intro to classical grounded theory Barney Glaser
zhlédnutí 311Před 2 měsíci
Grounded theory in qualitative research - intro to classical grounded theory Barney Glaser
What is a literature review in a dissertation?
zhlédnutí 841Před 2 měsíci
What is a literature review in a dissertation?
Thematic analysis in qualitative research - example of Braun and Clarke’s six stage process
zhlédnutí 4,6KPřed 3 měsíci
Thematic analysis in qualitative research - example of Braun and Clarke’s six stage process
Thematic literature review - how to write one without getting overwhelmed!
zhlédnutí 1,5KPřed 3 měsíci
Thematic literature review - how to write one without getting overwhelmed!
What is interpretivism? A simple explanation of the interpretivist paradigm social science research
zhlédnutí 1,3KPřed 4 měsíci
What is interpretivism? A simple explanation of the interpretivist paradigm social science research
What is positivism in sociology? Social research paradigms for beginners
zhlédnutí 523Před 4 měsíci
What is positivism in sociology? Social research paradigms for beginners
PhD Research Proposal | the 4 BIG-DEAL sections
zhlédnutí 1,5KPřed 4 měsíci
PhD Research Proposal | the 4 BIG-DEAL sections
Types of literature review in research - chronological and thematic with template examples
zhlédnutí 731Před 5 měsíci
Types of literature review in research - chronological and thematic with template examples
PhD Literature Review Tips, how to start strong!
zhlédnutí 1,1KPřed 5 měsíci
PhD Literature Review Tips, how to start strong!
Paradigms of research for graduate PhD students | positivism, interpretivism, critical realism
zhlédnutí 3,3KPřed 5 měsíci
Paradigms of research for graduate PhD students | positivism, interpretivism, critical realism
How to write your PhD discussion and conclusion chapters
zhlédnutí 1,1KPřed 5 měsíci
How to write your PhD discussion and conclusion chapters
Grad school advice - balancing study and life
zhlédnutí 319Před 5 měsíci
Grad school advice - balancing study and life
PhD study with a full time job, how to balance work with your doctorate
zhlédnutí 1,7KPřed 6 měsíci
PhD study with a full time job, how to balance work with your doctorate
How to write up your PhD thesis, academic writing skills for PhD students
zhlédnutí 885Před 6 měsíci
How to write up your PhD thesis, academic writing skills for PhD students
PhD Student Problems, how ChatGPT can help you
zhlédnutí 625Před 6 měsíci
PhD Student Problems, how ChatGPT can help you
How to write introduction chapter for PhD thesis | Impress your examiner & leave them wanting more!
zhlédnutí 1,5KPřed 6 měsíci
How to write introduction chapter for PhD thesis | Impress your examiner & leave them wanting more!
Reflective essays in grad school - how to write them, with templates and examples!
zhlédnutí 2KPřed 6 měsíci
Reflective essays in grad school - how to write them, with templates and examples!
Ethnomethodology, Harold Garfinkel's ideas made simple, a beginners guide
zhlédnutí 1,4KPřed 6 měsíci
Ethnomethodology, Harold Garfinkel's ideas made simple, a beginners guide
I am not confident
Oh no! I hope the video helped, let me know if you have any questions!
BEST explanation so far!!! 🙏 🙌 Thank you 😊
You’re very welcome! ☺️
Thank you dr Elizabeth for your wonderful cultural channel. As I told you before I wished to study sociology at university but in Arabic . Thank god I became subscriber in your channel to achieve my old wish and improve my English as well. I gathered main information about topic you mentioned briefly here it’s grand theory is term coined by American sociologist wright mills in sociological imagination to refer to form of highly abstract theorizing in which formal organization and arrangement of concepts takes priority over understanding social reality. In his view grand theory is more or less separate from concrete concerns of everyday life and it variety in time and space . Concept of grand theory is comprehensive farm work that aims to explain complex phenomena within particular field. Such as psychology, folklore scholarship politics . It’s seeks to provide unified understanding by intergating various perspectives and factors . I hope I can learn a lot from your knowledge. Best wishes for you your dearest ones .
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and for being a part of the community! It’s wonderful to hear that you’re using the channel to follow your passion for sociology and improve your English. You've explained the concept of Grand Theory beautifully - Mills’ critique of highly abstract theorising is such an important part of understanding how sociologists approach real-world issues. I’m thrilled to hear that the videos are helping you on this journey. Wishing you all the best in your learning, and thank you again for your kind words!
Working on end of life conversations with the elderly nurses worked experiences
That sounds like such important and meaningful research! Exploring nurses' experiences with end-of-life conversations must provide powerful insights into the challenges and complexities they face. Best of luck with your analysis-I'm sure it will contribute greatly to this crucial area of healthcare. If you need any tips on thematic analysis as you go, feel free to ask!
What about empirical framework?
Great question! An empirical framework is focused on the data and evidence collected during research, guiding how you analyse and interpret that data. It’s often built upon the patterns and findings from your actual study rather than pre-existing theories or concepts. So, while theoretical and conceptual frameworks provide a lens through which to view the problem, an empirical framework is all about grounding your conclusions in the evidence you’ve gathered.
Hi, thank you so much for your very clear, helpful videos. I think I'm using the critical realism paradigm in my research, but could you just confirm (or disagree!)? I've done a scoping review of my field of research to identify gaps in the research. I have also carried out focus groups with people working in the area I'm researching, to see what's important to them (semi-structured but very free flowing conversations). I have used Thematic Analysis to look for both semantic and latent themes in the focus group data, so looking for both the obvious areas they say are important, and some of the underlying challenges, structures etc. which may not have been explicitly stated. I want to then draw this together with the information from previous research to guide future research in this field (although acknowledging this is what's important for this group, at this point in time, as interpreted by me...). Does this fit within the critical realism paradigm? Thank you!
Thank you for your lovely feedback! From what you’ve described, it sounds like your approach does fit well within the critical realist paradigm. Critical realism acknowledges both the observable (semantic) and the deeper, underlying structures (latent themes) influencing the phenomena you're studying, which aligns with your use of Thematic Analysis. The combination of your scoping review to identify research gaps and the focus groups to understand the practical concerns and deeper issues in your field also reflects the critical realist approach to understanding multiple layers of reality. By combining these insights to guide future research, you're drawing on both empirical observations and the underlying mechanisms that may shape those observations, which is a core feature of critical realism. Keep up the great work!
Excellent very helpful thank you
Very welcome :-)
Great thank you I'm researching the gambling behavior of older women (age 50+ years) and how these women perceive risk in recreational gambling
Your research sounds incredibly interesting! Exploring gambling behaviour and perceptions of risk among older women is such a unique and important topic. I imagine there are some fascinating themes that will emerge in your analysis. I’m glad the video was helpful - best of luck with your thematic analysis! If you have any questions or need more guidance, feel free to reach out!
I'm dealing with minorities and ethnic groups in my thesis. My thesis is based on Social Identity Theory and Intergroup Conflict theories. Minor theories (middle stage) are social mobilization, prejudice reduction theories. As usual, you are a treasure, and your videos are always time and life-saving. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your kind words! Your thesis sounds fascinating, and it’s great that you’re integrating Social Identity Theory and Intergroup Conflict theories with additional middle-stage theories like social mobilisation and prejudice reduction. It sounds like you have a really strong theoretical framework to work with. Keep going-you’re doing amazing work, and I’m so glad the videos are helping you along the way! If you ever need more tips or support, feel free to reach out!
Amazing that makes sense!
☺
Amazing thank you
No problem 😊
Critical realist
LOVE critical realism! Such a great lens through which to view a research study!
I am interested in 1) why the youth are not interested in agriculture. This creates a succession problem. The average farmer in Africa is over 48 years old, and 2) why farmers are not motivated to invest in good agricultural practices. What is adequate incentive to turn the situation around?
That sounds like an incredibly important area of research! Understanding the reasons behind the youth's lack of interest in agriculture and identifying what could motivate farmers to adopt better agricultural practices is key to addressing sustainability and food security. It seems like your study will offer valuable insights into both the social and economic factors at play, and could help shape future policies. Keep up the great work!
Excellent video, easy to follow
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is one of the best if not thee best explanatory video on the two frameworks. Much Thanks
Wow, thanks! I'm so pleased you found it helpful!
Thank you for this helpful video and your channel ❤ My question is where in chapter 2 I will include these headings and subheadings? Can I add them independently or they have to be part my theoretical or conceptual framework? This is really confusing for me and I don’t seem to find an answer 😩 what is the structure for chapter 2 in general?
Hi there! 😊 Thank you so much for your kind words and for supporting the channel I'm really glad you found the video helpful! To answer your question, chapter 2 of your thesis (the literature review) is typically where you organise the research that informs your study. The headings and subheadings can definitely be added independently to help structure your literature review. They don’t necessarily have to be part of your theoretical or conceptual framework unless they’re directly tied to those aspects. Generally, the structure for chapter 2 can look like this: Introduction - Introduce the purpose of the literature review and give a brief overview of key themes or topics. Main Themes or Sections - Use headings and subheadings to organise the review by themes, theories, or key concepts. These don’t have to be part of your theoretical or conceptual framework unless you're specifically discussing them here. Theoretical/Conceptual Framework - If you’re presenting your theoretical or conceptual framework, this is usually a separate section towards the end of chapter 2, though it depends on your institution’s guidelines. Conclusion - Summarise the main points from the literature and link them to the research question or study. It's a good idea to check with your advisor or institution for specific guidelines, as structures can vary. Don't worry, it can be a bit confusing, but you'll get the hang of it! I hope this helps clarify things for you!
@@DegreeDoctorthank you so much. So then where is the review of literature where I criticize or point out the gaps in the literature?! Is the same with the main headings?!
No way confident! Just starting PhD and it was a question I was asked and I said that's my weakness so will be focusing on learning this in depth!!
Let me know if you have any questions, happy to help!
@@DegreeDoctor thank you!
Not at all
Hopefully the video helped you! Let me know if you have any questions about theory!
Love that you recap thanks Elizabeth
You're most welcome!
slightly confident
That's a great foundation to build on! Keep learning, keep growing in confidence!
I love CHAT gpt, I wouldn’t have got through my MA without it.
It can be a super valuable resource when used correctly, glad it helped you in your MA!
Good evening mam I want a video on how to write a reflective log on topics related to medical topics
Thank you for your comment! You may find this video helpful: czcams.com/video/DjcsGgfCTRE/video.htmlsi=ye7OPpnnKoVVKcam
Best explanation without any jargons. Can one say in the implication section that their paradigm has changed having completed the research. For instance, if one started with pragmatism, can this change to social constructivism without changing it all over in the theoretical perspectives section? Thank you
Thank you for your kind words! Yes, you can absolutely mention a shift in your paradigm in the implications or reflection section. It's not uncommon for researchers to realise their thinking has evolved throughout the research process. You could explain how your understanding has shifted from pragmatism to social constructivism and why, while keeping your theoretical perspective section as is. Just be sure to clearly articulate what prompted this change and how it influenced your interpretation of the data. It shows growth and reflexivity in your research!
Good presentation
Thank you, glad you think so! :-)
Dr Elizabeth I have great news I want to share with you and all channels Iam subscriber to . Iam going to be English teacher in academy improving plan for weak students near our house . This achievement due to your efforts all of you encourage to read learn. Imagine director of academy is graduated from England in psychology. You are sociology professor. I promise you to do my best to be ideal person. Iam only Arabic lady subscriber in several British and American CZcams channels. Thank god CZcams channels as open universities for every one google is our library. We only need pen and notebooks but first of all be attentive.
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful news with me! I am incredibly proud of you for taking on this important role as an English teacher and for your commitment to helping students improve. Your dedication to learning and teaching is truly inspiring, and I have no doubt that you will be an amazing influence on your students. It’s an honour to be part of your journey, and I’m thrilled to hear that the content on my channel has been helpful to you. Keep up the great work, and continue to be attentive and passionate about your mission. You are making a real difference!
I like the joking aspect, "this is amazing why can't everyone write like this?" 😅
Thanks for commenting!
Cheeky like ❤
Thank you!
Thank you, this made me remind myself that I had a successful academic degree story before enrolling to the PhD, so that tiny problems are the sign of getting the academic maturity 😊
Thanks for sharing! You are 100% capable!
Love your content!
Aww, thank you! I’m so pleased!
My research is on commercialisation of Agriculture : a sociological study. Which theory is suitable for my research ?
Thank you dr Elizabeth for your wonderful cultural channel. Iam Arabic lady subscriber to several British American CZcams channels . I love the content of channel although it’s ,for post - graduate education students. I looked up for simple definition of word theory is idea or set of ideas that intended to explain facts or events, tells us what is most important and what is less important. Paradigm is standard perspective, or set of ideas , synonyms example, principles, model . Evaluate to determine or fix value . Relevance to relate to matter at hand . Applicability is usefulness of something for particular task . I iread article discusses topic you mentioned I chose main points here it’s titled evaluation and developming theories in information system discipline, written by Ron Weber manash university . Introduction writer said many researchers developement of theory with disciplines central goals . He focuses means writer on developing framework theory evaluation for four reasons first to provide means of identifying likely usefulness of theory as basis for predicating real world phenomena. Second to provide way areas where empirical tests of theory are likely to be problematic. Third to provide method of identifying opportunities for refining theory . Fourth to provide guidance in relation to development of how quality theory. Conclusion as writer said framework have proposed above facilities evaluation of quality of exciting theory. Also informs researchers who are seeking to build new theory or refine existing theory . I hope you like my research. I am so sorry to little long but reading and writing both are great ways to improve our English as non native speakers. Best wishes for you your dearest ones .
Slightly confident, I feel I am just getting to grips with it.
Keep going! The more you learn about it, the more confident you'll become. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
I am not confident, mam, about theories at all. It has been 2 months.
Don’t worry, you’re definitely not alone-understanding theory can be challenging for everyone at first! The key is to take it step by step, and remember that building confidence with theory comes with practice and time. Keep going, and you'll get there!
❤
Thank you!
Moderately confident
That's a great foundation to build on!
Thank you again , I have a question, can " Integration management of ship's systems" be a research proposal for Phd in management?
Thanks for your question! "Integration management of ship's systems" is a great starting point, but for a PhD research proposal, you'll need to narrow it down and make it more specific. Consider focusing on a particular aspect of integration, like the challenges of integrating advanced technologies into existing systems, or how integration impacts efficiency and safety. The more specific your topic, the clearer your research questions will be, which makes for a stronger proposal.
I'm slightly confident
Great! Build on that, you've got this!
That's an excellent tip as usual. Still, i wished the video was a bit longer to have these questions addressed: how many theories can one possibly use in a thesis or a paper? Where is the theory section situated on a paper / thesis? Thank you so much, Doctor. Your tips are really helpful as if you're reading my mind.
Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you found the video helpful. To answer your questions: The number of theories you can use depends on the scope and focus of your research, so it's worth discussing this with your supervisor. As for where the theory section goes, it usually follows the literature review and precedes the methodology section in a thesis or paper. I'll keep your suggestions in mind for future videos-thanks for the feedback!
Moderately confident
Thanks for your comment, let me know if you have any theory questions!
How confident are you in dealing with theory? Are you: Not at all confident Slightly confident Moderately confident Very confident Extremely confident Let me know your answer and what you struggle with specifically, I can then make more videos on this!