As researchers, academics, and practitioners, we often come across the term ‘theoretical framework‘. While it is an essential element in research and academic writing, many still struggle to understand its concept and importance.
The theoretical framework is a critical part of any paper or research hypothesis that provides a framework for interpreting and analyzing past research and develop new theories. It helps organize the research process, define the problem statement, and provide a roadmap for the study.
Theoretical frameworks differ according to the field, the research problem and the methodology used. It is the basis of any research work and serves as lens through which one views their research question. Therefore, understanding how a theoretical framework is constructed is crucial for researchers, as it ensures that they conduct their research within an established and agreed set of principles.
In this post, we will delve into the importance of a theoretical framework and the various components that make it up. We will explore the steps and considerations involved in developing a theoretical framework within any branch of the formal sciences.
Meaning and concept of theoretical framework
In the research, a theoretical framework is used to guide the study, providing a clear understanding of the researcher’s perspective on the topic of interest. The theoretical framework is made up of concepts, ideas, and assumptions that underlie the research questions, hypotheses, methods, and analysis.
It serves as a lens through which the researcher can see and interpret the data collected in the study. The purpose of establishing a theoretical framework is to provide a clear and logical structure for the research, to demonstrate the relationship between the research question and existing knowledge, and to guide the interpretation of the findings.
The theoretical framework should develop in a solid and complete waycapturing the key concepts and assumptions relevant to the research question and making connections between these concepts and the research hypothesis.
Referential theoretical framework
A referential theoretical framework is a essential aspect of any project research or academic work. It provides a foundation for understanding the goals and objectives of the study, and all other concepts and practices that the study seeks to explore.
Essentially, it presents the theoretical basis of the study and helps readers understand the methods used in the study or research. A good referential theoretical framework should detail the concepts or theoretical models used to analyze and interpret the data collected.
This framework should also incorporate relevant references and previous studies that you will use in your study to provide a detailed description of the research topic, making it an indispensable tool for conducting research in any field.
When developing a referential theoretical framework, it is essential that consider its relevance for your question and research objectives. Therefore, researchers should be familiar with the current literature, theories, and approaches that are widely used in the literature relevant to their research.
Methodological theoretical framework
In academic research, a methodological theoretical framework provides the structure and guide to carry out a study, which is crucial for its effective execution. It is the foundation of the research project that helps researchers understand the underlying principles and concepts that shape their approach.
The theoretical framework also helps scholars to conceptualize and design your study by providing a clear system of analysis and interpretation. Such a framework mainly includes the research problem and research questions that guide the study, a review of the relevant literature to develop the theoretical basis, and the research design and methodology to be used to collect and analyze data.
A solid methodological theoretical framework is necessary to ensure validity, reliability and generalization of research results, and is particularly important in interdisciplinary or complex research projects.
What is put in the theoretical framework?
In essence, the theoretical framework consists of concepts, ideas, assumptions and hypotheses that help guide the research process. A well-developed theoretical framework supports the research question and provides a logical and systematic approach to answering it.
It is made up of concepts, key theories and models drawn from relevant literature, experience and observation. This document will help you understand what is involved in building a theoretical framework, including the key elements that should be included and how to use it effectively in your research project.
How is a theoretical framework made?
Developing a theoretical framework requires a deep analysis and careful consideration of existing and relevant research literature.
- Define the theme: The first thing you should do is clearly define the topic you are addressing in your academic paper. You must be as specific as possible so that the theoretical framework has a solid and coherent structure.
- Review existing literature: The next step is to research and review the existing literature on the subject you are dealing with. This involves reading articles, books, theses, and any other relevant publication that has been written on the subject. As you read, you should take notes and summarize the main points you find.
- organize your notes: Once you’ve reviewed the existing literature, it’s time to organize your notes. You can do this in different ways, such as using a flowchart or a concept map. The idea is that you can clearly see the relationships between the different concepts and how they relate to each other.
- Identify relevant theories: From your notes, you should identify the relevant theories that relate to your topic. These theories will allow you to provide a solid theoretical context for your academic work. You must ensure that the theories you select are relevant and supported by the existing literature.
- make connections: Once you have identified the relevant theories, you must establish connections between them and your topic. This means that you must explain how the theories relate to your topic and how you use them to support your arguments.
- Write the theoretical framework: Once you have established the connections between the theories and your topic, it is time to write the theoretical framework. This should be a clear, well-organized section that includes all the relevant theories and how they relate to your topic. Make sure it is written coherently and is easy for your audience to understand.
Examples of a theoretical framework
Examples of a theoretical framework include Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, social cognitive theory, and the health belief model. These theoretical frameworks can help provide a framework to explore questions related to various fields, such as psychology, sociology, and health care.
Here are some examples of theoretical frameworks that could be used in different academic fields:
- In the field of psychologya theoretical framework could be based on Bandura’s social learning theory, which suggests that human behavior is learned through observation and imitation of behavior models in the social environment.
- In the field of economicsa theoretical framework could be based on Schultz’s human capital theory, which suggests that education and training are profitable investments that increase worker productivity and improve long-term economic outcomes.
- In the field of educationa theoretical framework could be based on Deci and Ryan’s motivation theory, which suggests that intrinsic motivation is more effective in fostering learning and self-determination than extrinsic motivation.
- In the field of sociologya theoretical framework could be based on Marx’s conflict theory, which suggests that class struggle and economic exploitation are important factors in social and political dynamics.
- In the field of biologya theoretical framework could be based on Darwin’s theory of evolution, which suggests that organisms evolve through natural selection and adaptation to the environment.
A theoretical framework is based on the conceptual theories and models that exist in a particular field of study, and is used to establish a strong theoretical context for the academic work in question.
