THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS IN RESEARCH UI Ogbonnaya
THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS IN RESEARCH UI Ogbonnaya University of Pretoria
Introduction • Theory: Well-tested, broad explanation of a phenomenon • Some examples: Force of gravity, Demand theory, Behaviorism • Theory explains how things happen – why things happen the way they do • Theories are formulated to explain, predict, and understand phenomena
Theoretical Framework (TF) • A TF is a logically structured representation of the concepts, variables and the relationship among the variables in a research study. • It is the lens through which a research problem is evaluated. • TF describes theory that explains why the research problem under study exists. • TF is the ‘blueprint’ or guide for a research (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
Conceptual Framework (CF) • A CF is a logical structure which the researcher believes explains the phenomenon being studied. • It is the researcher’s explanation of how the research problem would be explored. • It is the researcher’s hypothetical structured representation of the relationship among the variables in a research study • CF describes the researchers hypothesis that explains why the research problem under study exists.
Theoretical & Conceptual Framework • Both are logical structure that the researcher uses to explain the phenomenon being studied. • Both represent the relationship(s) among the variables of a research study.
Purpose of Theoretical/Conceptual Framework • The theoretical/Conceptual framework connects the study to existing knowledge. • Serves as the basis for the researcher’s hypotheses and choice of research methods. • Helps the researcher identify critical research questions to be addressed • It helps researcher to identify the variables of interest in a study hence it alerts the researcher to examine how those key variables might differ and under certain conditions
Purpose of Theoretical/Conceptual Framework … • It guides a researcher’s choice of research design, data collection and data analysis plan • Shows how researcher defines his/her study philosophically, epistemologically, methodology and analytically (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). • It provides a common worldview or lens from which to support researcher’s thinking about the problem and analysis of data (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). • Helps the assessor/reader of the research to evaluate the research critically
Selecting/Developing a Framework Strategies to develop a theoretical/conceptual framework (Adapted from University of South California https: //libguides. usc. edu/writingguide/theoreticalframework • 1. Examine your research title and research problem/questions. (E. g South Africa University students’ acceptance of online lesson delivery) • 2. Identify the key variables in your research. Answer the question: what factors contribute to the presumed effect? (Key variable: …. . , what factors contribute to students’ acceptance of online lesson delivery ……………. ) • 3. Review related literature to find answers to your research question. (Related literature: …. . )
Selecting/Developing a Framework … • 4. List the constructs and variables that might be relevant to your study. Group these variables into independent and dependent categories. • 5. Review theories that explain the relationships between the key variables in your study. • 6. Discuss the assumptions or propositions of this theory and point out their relevance to your research. • 7. Choose the one (sometimes more than one) that best relates to your study or develop a conceptual framework drawing from theories and literature you read.
Conclusion • Theoretical/conceptual framework is key to meaningful research study and publication of the outcome of the study. • Developing a framework for your research is born out of extensive review of related studies.
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