Doctoral students hate to hear these words from their supervisor or guide: “your study sounds promising,but what is your theoretical framework?” This question is often met with silence , raised eyebrows ,or shrugged shoulders indicating more information needed about this term . In discussing the theoretical framework, Merriam (2001) stated, “A colleague of mine once commented that if she could have cut a year off of her graduate studies! Indeed, the theoretical and conceptual framework study and where theory fits into a research continue to mystify and frustrate many a novice (and sometimes experienced) researcher”. Few texts or books about writing a dissertation or thesis discuss the process , importance, ,or purpose of developing a conceptual and theoretical framework and making it explicit.
What is a theoretical or conceptual framework?
It is a lens through which your research problem can be viewed. It can be a theory, a construct that conceptualizes your study’s focus , or a research perspective . Miles and Huberman(1994) defined it this way:”A conceptual framework explains, either graphically or in narrative form, the main things to be studied- they key factors, constructs, or variables- and presumed relationships among them. Frameworks can be rudimentary or elaborate, theory driven or commensensicial , descriptive or causal. Some of the visuals form a conceptual framework that could be taken on tree diagrams , mind maps, flow charts, concept maps , or diagrams such as triangles and circles, and so on. In their book, qualitative data analysis, Miles and huberman (1994) provided several graphic illustrations followed by descriptive narrative that served as examples of conceptual or theoretical frameworks.
The conceptual or theoretical frameworks provide the boundaries, or scaffolding , for your study. Like a microscope , it narrows your field of vision, thus helping you limit the scope of your study. After all, it is usually not possible to study everything about your research topic . A conceptual or theoretical framework identifies which of the “ key factors, constructs, or variables”are in and which are out. Making your conceptual or theoretical framework explicit provides clarity for the reader as to exactly what your study is about and provides the focus and content for making decisions about your study’s design. By not not grounding your study within an explicit conceptual or theoretical frame, your study takes on “so what?” quality.
How does a conceptual framework differ from a theoretical framework?
Often, the terms conceptual framework and theoretical framework are used interchangeably , and rarely is a differentiation made. A theory is a discussion about related concepts , assumptions, and generalizations, while concepts can be defined as words or phrases that represent several interrelated ideas . If your study is grounded in particular theory or theories , then perhaps the better term would be theoretical framework, since theory would be used to explain the particular phenomenon under study. It implies a higher level of conceptual organization . If your study doesn’t include a specific theory , it still contains concepts and subconcepts that define the interrelationship of the ideas contained in your study. Some studies contain a review of theory as well as conceptual framework. I recommended a conference with your PhD research advisor to determine the best approach for your particular study. Remember , no study is about implicit framework.
Why do you need a conceptual or theoretical framework?
A well-defined conceptual or theoretical framework helps you to view your area of interest more acutely. Like a telescope or microscope , a conceptual or theoretical framework narrows and begins to focus your field of vision , which is a necessary scope of study.It helps define the research problem and structures the writing of your literature view . In addition, it acts as a filtering tool to select appropriate research questions and to guide data collection , analysis , and interpretation of finding . According to Meraim(2001), “ all aspects of study are affected by its theoretical framework”.
How do you find a conceptual or theoretical framework?
The best way to select an appropriate conceptual or theoretical framework for your study is to immerse yourself in the research and theoretical literature related to your topic of interest. You may not find a specific theory to guide your study; however, you will discover a variety of interrelated core concepts and subconcepts from which to frame your study.