Conceptual frameworks are a better option for complex or interdisciplinary research. Along the same lines, quantitative research often aligns with theoretical frameworks, while qualitative research may favour conceptual frameworks. Research frameworks can be described as the blueprint of your study.
A theoretical framework is a conceptual model that defines the key concepts, variables, and their relationships within a study. It provides a foundation for the research by situating it within a broader body of knowledge. The framework connects the research problem, objectives, and hypotheses to established theories or models, ensuring that the ...
Theoretical and conceptual frameworks are foundational components of any research study. They each play a major role in guiding and structuring the research, from the formation of research questions to the interpretation of results.. While both the theoretical and conceptual framework provides a structure for a study, they serve different functions and can impact the research in distinct ways ...
A theoretical framework is a structure that can hold or support a theory of a research study. It introduces and describes the theory that explains why the research problem under study exists. While a conceptual framework is broader and can include multiple theories and concepts, a theoretical framework is usually focused on a specific theory.
These examples illustrate how conceptual frameworks and theoretical frameworks can be used to guide research in different contexts. While conceptual frameworks provide a flexible and iterative approach to exploring complex relationships, theoretical frameworks provide a structured and theory-driven approach to testing hypotheses.
A theoretical framework guides the research process like a roadmap for the study, so you need to get this right. Theoretical framework 1,2 is the structure that supports and describes a theory. A theory is a set of interrelated concepts and definitions that present a systematic view of phenomena by describing the relationship among the variables for explaining these phenomena.
Theoretical Framework. Conceptual Framework. Theoretical framework is based on the use of an existing theory or theories (for example, The Theory of Motivation); Conceptual framework on the other hand, is the literal meaning of the concept of the study using dictionary meaning and empirical findings from other literatures.
an example conceptual framework memo that details how a researcher describes their conceptual framework. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS . IN RESEARCH. A conceptual framework lives at the center of an empirical . study. The conceptual framework serves as a guide and ballast to research (Ravitch & Riggan, 2016), functioning as an integrating
Keywords: theory, theoretical framework, conceptual framework, research proposal, thesis 1. Introduction ... instance use the terms theory, conceptual framework and theoretical framework as though they all mean the same ... For example, a theory on how an educational institution functions would make assertions and predictions at a meso-level.
A conceptual framework is a structured representation of the variables, relationships, and theories underlying a research study. It provides a visual or written guide to help researchers define the scope of their work, clarify research objectives, and connect findings to broader theoretical foundations.
Your conceptual framework may include a theoretical framework as well: say, you want to relate the observed phenomena with certain ecological theories. In the example in Figure 1, the ‘optimal search theory’ and ‘optimal foraging theory’ provide a lens through which the variables should be explored.
To learn more about the definition and goal of a theoretical framework, check out our step-by-step guide to writing a theoretical framework. Other interesting articles If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go ...
While a theoretical framework grounds your research in existing theories, a conceptual framework is more flexible, helping researchers define specific variables and relationships in a single study. Choosing the right framework depends on the scope of your research and the type of analysis you intend to conduct. How to write a theoretical framework
A theoretical framework provides the theoretical assumptions for the larger context of a study, and is the foundation or ‘lens’ by which a study is developed. This framework helps to ground the research focus understudy within theoretical underpinnings and to frame the inquiry for data analysis and interpretation.
A literature review and a theoretical framework are not the same thing and cannot be used interchangeably. While a theoretical framework describes the theoretical underpinnings of your work, a literature review critically evaluates existing research relating to your topic. You’ll likely need both in your dissertation.