THEORETICAL &

CONCEPTUAL Zujaja Baig

FRAMEWORK
 THEORY
• Theories are formulated to explain, predict, and
understand phenomena and, in many cases, to
challenge and extend existing knowledge
• They are models for reality
DEFINITION OF
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Theoretical framework is the structure that can hold
or support a theory of a research study
Introduces and describes the theory that explains
why the research problem under study exists.
A theory gives direction to a research work and
either validates or disproves a phenomenon.
A theoretical framework consists of concepts and
existing theory that is used for your particular study.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEORETICAL
AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Theoretical Framework Conceptual Framework

• It explains time tested theories that • It is the researcher’s idea on how the
investigates on how phenomena occur. research problem will have to be
• It consists of theories that seem explored.
interrelated with their propositions • it consists of concepts interconnected to
deduced. explain the relationships between them
and how the researcher asserts to
• It provides a general representation of answer the research problem defined
relationships between things in a given • It embodies the specific direction by
phenomenon. which the research will have to be
• It is well developed, designed and undertaken
accepted. • It describes the relationship between
specific variables identified in the study.
• The theoretical framework describes a • Its design is not accepted, but it's a
broader relationship between things proposal of the researcher's answer to
the research problem s/he has defined
• Example:
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The theoretical framework must demonstrate an understanding of
theories and concepts that are relevant to the topic of your
research paper
The theoretical framework is most often not something readily
found within the literature.
 Review course readings and pertinent research studies for
theories that are relevant to the research problem.
The selection of a theory should depend on
its appropriateness
ease of application
 explanatory power.
IMPORTANCE OF
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
It is analogous to the blueprint of a house
the theoretical framework connects the researcher to existing
knowledge. Guided by a relevant theory, you are given a basis
for your hypotheses and choice of research methods.
It permits you to intellectually transition from simply
describing a phenomenon you have observed to generalizing
about various aspects of that phenomenon.
A theoretical framework is used to limit the scope of the
relevant data by focusing on specific variables and defining
the specific viewpoint [ conceptual framework] that the
researcher will take in analyzing and interpreting the data
 HOW TO DEVELOP A
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Examine your thesis title and research problem.
Brainstorm about what you consider to be the key variables in
your research.
Review related literature to find how scholars have addressed
your research problem.
 List  the constructs and variables that might be relevant to your
study.
 Review key social science theories that are introduced to you in
your course readings and choose the theory that can best
explain the relationships between the key variables in your
study.
HOW TO STRUCTURE YOUR
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK?
There are no strict rules that you must follow. The important
thing is to create a structure that is logical.
No specific length, 3-5 pages long
Write an introduction
Clearly describe the concepts, models, or specific theories
that underpin your study.
Who are the key theorists
The dates when these theories were postulated
History of the theory
HOW TO STRUCTURE YOUR
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Mention:
Key concepts in research questions and hypotheses or
problem statement.
The main theories and models that relate to the research.
The relevant and recent sources
The limitations of the theoretical framework you've chosen
Explain why the theory you have chosen is the appropriate
one
Use present tense while writing the theoretical framework
 EXAMPLE
An example of a study in Cultural Anthropology. A student is
undertaking a research into how the cultures of a group of
people influence their attitudes towards the environment. In
such a scenario, there are various theories in the field of study
that agrees with the problem for investigation. These include the
Human Environment Relations Theory, The Culture Theory, The
Cultural Ecology Theory, Historical Ecology Theory,
Environmental Determinism Theory, Culture Determinism Theory
and so forth. Though these theories all postulate that people and
their cultures have a relation with the environment, their internal
workings and approach to the subject differs. Therefore, it is the
student/researcher who has to read and deepen his/her
understanding of the theories, including the exponents, historical
background information of the theory, its exponents, its t heo ret
ica l constructs, an d assumptions of it s proponents, the
 HOW TO MAKE CONCEPTUAL
FRAMEWORK
A conceptual framework is a structure which the researcher believes can
best explain the natural progression of the phenomenon to be studied
Choose your topic.
Do a literature review.
Isolate the important variables. Identify the specific variables described
in the literature and figure out how these are related..
Generate the conceptual framework. Build your conceptual framework
using your mix of the variables from the theories
Your conceptual framework should address a knowledge gap.
It should answer why your theoretical framework fits well in your study
 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
IN QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
Quantitative research design utilizes deductive reasoning
The theoretical framework will direct the research methods you
choose to employ
Your chosen methodology should provide strong conclusions
compatible with theories.
In theoretical framework of a quantitative study, the focus is on
variables
Select the theoretical or conceptual model that best aligns with
the research question and provides an interrelated set of
variables and hypotheses that offer an explanation for your
chosen phenomenon
 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
In a qualitative study, you tend to stay within a conceptual
level
You should select the theory or conceptual model that best
aligns with the research question
In depth literature review is necessary
The relationship between theoretical framework ad qualitative
research is two way
Qualitative research can be used for the development of a
framework
 CONCLUSION
Multiple theories give varying perspectives on the same

issue. Thus, each researcher must decide which lens to use,

or which blueprint to follow to build an argument, establish

the context of the problem, and explain findings. The

researcher must keep the theoretical framework front and

center in justifying the research questions, the problem, the