Writing sample Question?

[few_flowers]

I want to submit a writing sample that is closely related to my research interests, problem is it doesn't use any type of theoritical framework and isn't really a 'thesis statement' type of paper. It's basically just a study I conducted. The paper is about 10 pages long and begins with very brief lit review, then goes on to discuss the methods

Comments

[roseofjuly]

Research studies are fine, but how did you do a research study without a theoretical framework? You probably have at least a conceptual model to work with, so maybe just go through your paper and find a way to make that stronger?

[few_flowers]

Maybe I'm confused as to what exactly "theoretical framework" means. Could you be so kind and explain that for me?

[roseofjuly]

It's the framework from which you launch your study. I've always believed that it can either be from the framework of an already postulated theory (like the theory of reasoned action, or the theory of gender and power) or could be your framework that you've put together using the papers from your literature review. Perhaps you meant you weren't using a formal theoretical framework as in one that's been articulated in the past by an author, but you still have a conceptual framework as to how you thought behavior or attitudes occurred?

[few_flowers]

I think so. I will look into this and if I have further questions, I'll post.

[tisiphone]

That's pretty typical for the structure of a scientific research paper. You may be on weaker ground with psychology, but I've seen it there too.

[circumfession]

What field are you applying to?

[few_flowers]

Communication