Conceptual vs Theoretical Framework

PA 601 - Research Methods and Designs

Conceptual and Theoretical Framework

Faculty-In-Charge: Dr. MHD Faheem Aliuden

Prepared by: Norjanah A. Grar

01

Conceptual Framework

Conceptual Framework

- is justification for why a given study should be conducted.

- is the total, logical orientation and associations of anything and everything that forms the underlying thinking, structures, plans and practices and implementation of your entire research project.

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Conceptual Framework

describes the state of known knowledge, usually through a literature review;

identifies gaps in our understanding of a phenomenon or problem;

outlines the methodological underpinnings of the research project.

It is constructed to answer 2 questions: “Why is this research important?” and “What contributions might these findings make to what is already known?”

Purpose of Conceptual Framework

In Quantitative studies - it is used to determine survey questions or data points, or to generate a hypothesis for explanations and predictions.

In Qualitative studies - it is used to provide a working hypothesis or a set of research questions, or to identify or explore categories in descriptive research.

It defines the relevant variables for your study and maps out how they might relate to each other.

02

Theoretical Framework

Theoretical Framework

- comprises the theories expressed by experts in the field into which you plan to research, which you draw upon to provide a theoretical coat hanger for your data analysis and interpretation of results.

- structure that summarizes concepts and theories, which you develop from previously tested and published knowledge which you synthesize to help you have a theoretical background, or basis for your data analysis and interpretation of the meaning contained in your research data

Purpose of Theoretical Framework

It enables you to report your findings in an analytical, evaluative and creative way.

It gives you the opportunity to state your theoretical assumptions very clearly.

To have a scholarly foundation for all your sense making of the meaning contained in your data (Neuman, 1997)

Key Differences between the two frameworks:

How to develop a Conceptual Framework:

CHOOSE YOUR TOPIC

ISOLATE THE IMPORTANT VARIABLES

DO A LITERATURE REVIEW

GENERATE THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

How to develop a Theoretical Framework:

Evaluating and explaining relevant theories

Identifying your key concepts.

Showing how your research fits into existing research

Your Theoretical Framework is based on:

PROBLEM STATEMENT

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

LITERATURE REVIEW

SAMPLE:

A new boutique downtown is struggling with the fact that many of their online customers do not return to make subsequent purchases. This is a big issue for the otherwise fast-growing store. Management wants to increase customer loyalty. They believe that improved customer satisfaction will play a major role in achieving their goal of increased return customers.

To investigate this problem, you have zeroed in on the following problem statement, objective, and research questions:

Problem: Many online customers do not return to make subsequent purchases. Objective: To increase the quantity of return customers. Research question: How can the satisfaction of the boutique’s online customers be improved in order to increase the quantity of return customers?

References:

Hughes, S., Davis, T. E., & Imenda, S. N. (2019). Demystifying theoretical and conceptual frameworks: A guide for students and advisors of educational research. J Soc Sci, 58(1-3), 24-35.

Imenda, S. (2014). Is there a conceptual difference between theoretical and conceptual frameworks?. Journal of social sciences, 38(2), 185-195.

Kivunja, C. (2018). Distinguishing between theory, theoretical framework, and conceptual framework: A systematic review of lessons from the field. International journal of higher education, 7(6), 44-53.

Regoniel, P. A. (2015). Conceptual framework: A step by step guide on how to make one. Simplyeducate. me.

Varpio, L., Paradis, E., Uijtdehaage, S., & Young, M. (2020). The distinctions between theory, theoretical framework, and conceptual framework. Academic Medicine, 95(7), 989-994.

Thank you for your attention.