Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

Theoretical Framework: Introduction

‘A theoretical framework refers to the theory that a researcher chooses to guide

him/her in his/her research. Thus, a theoretical framework is the application of a
theory, or a set of concepts drawn from one and the same theory, to offer an
explanation of an event, or shed some light on a particular phenomenon or
research problem’ (Imenda, 2014, p.189).
‘A theoretical framework is a collection of interrelated concepts, like a theory but
not necessarily so well worked-out. A theoretical framework guides your research,
determining what things you will measure, and what statistical relationships you
will look for’ (Borgatti, 1996).
Theoretical framework evolves from the extensively and comprehensively
reviewed literatures and data collected. It provides researcher with key variables
and concepts of topic under investigation.
The theoretical framework of the study is a structure that can hold or support a
theory of a research work. It presents the theory which explains why the problem
under study exists. Thus, the theoretical framework is but a theory that serves as a
basis for conducting research. It can be expressed both in graphical or written
form.
Once the theoretical framework is designed based on the existing theories, relevant
data are gathered, and the findings are used to support, extend, or modify the
theory. It is not necessarily to test theories either to prove or disprove the theories.

Purposes of Theoretical Framework

It guides researcher in the collection, interpretation and explanation of the data at
disposal. Besides this, it is also a road map of the study for research methodology
such as target population, research sample, data collection and analysis. So, basic
purpose of theoretical framework is to give researcher clear ways to study the topic
under inquiry.
• It helps the researcher see clearly the variables of the study;
• It can provide him with a general framework for data analysis;
• It also helps how and what kind of data are to be collected.
 Strategies for Developing the Theoretical Framework
Here are some strategies to develop an effective theoretical framework:
• Examining thesis title and research problem. The research problem
anchors your entire study and forms the basis from which you construct your
theoretical framework.
• Brainstorming on the key variables in research. Answer the question,
what factors contribute to the presumed effect?
• Reviewing related literature to find answers to your research question.
• Listing out the constructs and variables that might be relevant to the
study. Group these variables into independent and dependent categories.
• Reviewing the key social science theories that are introduced in course
readings and choose the theory or theories that can best explain the
relationships between the key variables in the study.
• Discuss the assumptions or propositions of this theory and point out their
relevance to your research.

Example of Theoretical Framework

 Conceptual Framework

Conceptual Framework is the system of concepts, assumptions,

expectations, beliefs, and theories that support and inform the research
problem being investigated.
A written or visual presentation that “explains either graphically, or in
narrative form, the main things to be studied – the key factors, concepts
or variables and the presumed relationship among them” (Miles and
Huberman, 1994, p.18).
It is a synthesis of theories of a research problem since one theory may
not be sufficient to find the solution to a problem.
It essentially represents an ‘integrated’ way of looking at the problem
(Liehr and Smith, 1999).

A conceptual framework may be defined as an end result of bringing

together a number of related concepts to explain or predict a given event,
or give a broader understanding of the phenomenon of interest – or
simply, of a research problem.

• The purpose of the pre-planning of the holiday is to:

• Know how to get to, and return from, your holiday
destination.
• Know what to do when you are at the destination.
•
• It provides the structure/content for the whole study based on
literature and personal experiences.

• Conceptual frameworks provide researchers with:

 • The ability to move beyond descriptions of ‘what’ to
explanations of ‘why’ and ‘how’.
• A means of setting out an explanation set that might be used
to define and make sense of the data that flow from the
research question.
• A filtering tool for selecting appropriate research questions
and related data collection methods.
• A reference point/structure for the discussion of the literature,
methodology and results.
• The boundaries of the work.

• The conceptual framework encapsulates (summarises) the research

as it:
• Sets out the focus and content.
Acts as the link between the literature, the methodology and the
results

Camp (2001) defined the difference between conceptual and theoretical

frameworks. A conceptual framework is a structure of what has been
learned to best explain the natural progression of a phenomenon that is
being studied (Camp, 2001). Comparatively, theoretical frameworks are
explanations about the phenomenon (Camp, 2001).

Theoretical Framework Conceptual Framework

Quantitative Research Problem Qualitative Research Problem

Identifying Relevant Theoretical Synthesizing Relevant Concepts from

Structure Various Sources –Conceptual Framework
(CF)

Deductive Approach Inductive Approach

Applying Theoretical Framework to Applying Conceptual Framework to

Research Problem Research Problem

Methods of Applying Theoretical Framework and Conceptual Framework in Research

A summary of the conceptual differences between conceptual and theoretical frameworks

Variables Conceptual Framework Theoretical Framework

Genesis It is created by the researcher It evolves from reviewed literature

from a variety of conceptual or
theoretical perspectives
Helps the researcher see Helps researcher see clearly the main
Purposes clearly the main variables and variables and concepts of the study
concepts in a given study

Provides the researcher with a Provides the researcher with a general

general methodology, research methodology, research design, target
design, target population, population, sample data collection and
sample data collection and analysis
analysis

Guides the researcher in the Guides the researcher in the

interpretation and explanation interpretation and explanation of the data
of the data
Conceptual Synthesis of relevant concepts Application of a theory as a whole or
Meaning partial
 Methodologica It is located in both It is mainly in quantitative research
l Approach quantitative and qualitative paradigm
Research paradigm or
increasingly in mixed method
research

A theory is a set of interrelated concepts, which structure a systematic view of

phenomena for the purpose of explaining or predicting. A theory is like a blueprint,
a guide for model of a structure and the relation of each element to the other, just
as a theory depicts the concepts, which compose it and the relation of concepts
with each other.

it (a) is “a set of interrelated propositions, concepts and definitions that present a

systematic point of view”; (b) specifies relationships between / among concepts;
and (c) explains and / or makes predictions about the occurrence of events, based
on the specified relationships.

Concept
Liehr and Smith (1999: 7) have ventured to give a definition of a concept as ‘an
image or symbolic representation of an abstract idea’.