Table 2 Examples of papers using theory from BMC Medical Education
From: Using theory in health professions education research: a guide for early career researchers
Paper | Theory | Paradigm | Methodology | Unit of analysis | Timing of theory use | Write up of theory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Horsburgh, Ippolito [10] | Bandura’s theory of social learning | Interpretive | Qualitative methodology; interviews | Micro level (individual)—how learners and teachers perceive and make sense of learning from role modelling in clinical settings | Theory used to inform data analysis | Theory outlined in the Background, Methods, and Discussion |
Held et al. [11] | Social network theory | Not explicity stated, but research approach is consistent with the positivist paradigm | Quantitative metodology; survey | Micro level (group processes)—student learning networks in a rural community based placement | Theory used to inform instrument development and data analysis | Theory outlined in the Background, Methods, and Discussion |
O’Keefe et al. [12] | Activity theory | Not explicitly stated, but the research approach is consistent with the constructivist paradigm | Action research; interviews, focus groups and direct observation | Meso level -management of student clinical placements across three health service sites | Theory used in the data analysis | Theory outlined in the Background, Methods (specifically data analysis), and in the Discussion |
Ji et al. [13] | Social netwrok theory; complex systems theory | Not explicity declared but consistent with the positivist paradigm | Quantitative metodology; analysis of publications data | Macro level—research topics and trends in medical education | Theory used in the data analysis | Theory outlined in the Background, Methods (specifically data analysis), and in the Discussion |