Why is the theoretical framework important?

The development of the theoretical framework helps to clarify your implicit theory in a
manner that is more clearly defined. It helps you to consider other possible frameworks
and to reduce biases that may sway your interpretation. As you develop your theoretical
framework you will consider alternative theories that might challenge your perspective.
You will also consider the limitations associated with your theory, and quite possibly,
that your problem could be better understood by other theoretical frameworks.
The theoretical framework is how you conceptualize the nature of your research
problem, its basis and the analysis you will choose to investigate that problem. This
framework determines how you perceive, make sense of, and interpret your data.
Explanation of the theoretical framework helps the reader understand your perspective
and context.
How do I develop a theoretical framework?
The theoretical framework is developed from and connected to your review of the
knowledge on the topic (the literature review). This knowledge is likely how you initially
formulated your research problem. You reviewed the literature and found gaps in the
explanation of some phenomenon. The theoretical framework allows you to present the
research problem in light of a summary of the literature.
Your description of the variables of interest in context of the literature review allows the
reader to understand the theorized relationships. You should begin by describing what
is known about your variables, what is known about their relationship, and what can be
explained thus far. You will investigate other researchers’ theories behind these
relationships and identify a theory (or combination of theories) that explains your major
research problem. Essentially, your goal is to convey to the reader why you think your
variables are related, so the inclusion of previous research and theories that support
your belief are essential to defending your rationale. You apply the theory to your
problem, and state your hypotheses or predictions regarding potential relationships. You
tell the reader what you expect to find in your research.
How does theoretical framework relate to quantitative research design?
There is a link between theoretical framework and quantitative research design. The
choice of research design is based on the goals of the study and a solid review of the
literature. Quantitative research design utilizes deductive reasoning, which begins with
identifying the theoretical framework that will provide structure and guide the research
project. The theoretical framework is presented in the early sections of a quantitative
research proposal to establish the grounds for the study.
The theoretical framework will direct the research methods you choose to employ. The
chosen methodology should provide conclusions that are compatible with the theory.
Can you simplify this?
Reducing this seemingly intimidating topic to two factors may help simplify the concept.
The theoretical framework involves a discussion of (1) the research problem and (2)
the rationale for conducting an investigation of the problem. These two factors form the
basis of a theoretical framework section of the research proposal.
Additional Webpages Related to Theoretical Framework
 Methods Section: Chapter Three
 Results Section: Chapter Four
 Conducting Qualitative Research
 Survey Research and Administration
 Research Concept Paper
 Research Methods
 Research Designs
 Descriptive Statistics and Interpreting Statistics
 Literature Review