Theoretical - Conceptual Framework

Theoretical and
Conceptual
Framework
Discussant: Annie Lyn G. Mendoza
MAED 301-Research Method Applied to Education
Definition of Terms;
Theory- are formulated to explain, predict, and understand
phenomena and, in many cases, to challenge and extend
existing knowledge, within the limits of the critical bounding
assumptions.
- A theory makes generalizations about observations and consists
of an interrelated, coherent set of ideas and models.
- A theory is like a blueprint, a guide for modeling a structure.
It predicts events in a broad, general context.
- In science, the word ‘theory’ refers to a comprehensive
explanation of an important feature of nature that is supported
by many facts gathered over time. (Weisenmiller 2008: 2)
Concept – abstractly describes and names an object or phenomenon, thus
providing it with separate identity and meaning.
- An intellectual representation of some aspect of reality that is derived from
observations made from phenomena.
Ex. Of concept:
stress or anxiety or pain
Framework- A basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text.
Described as logical structure of meaning that guide the development of the
study.
All frameworks are based on the identification of key concepts and the
relationships among those concepts.
Cases are objects whose behavior or characteristics we study. Usually, the
cases are persons. But they can also be groups, departments,
organizations, etc. They can also be more esoteric (obscure, mysterious)
things like events (e.g., meetings), utterances, pairs of people, etc.
Variables are characteristics of cases. They are attributes. Qualities of the
cases that we measure or record. It is more specific and measurable
For ex., if the cases are persons, the variables could be sex, age, height,
weight, feeling of empowerment, math
-Dependent variable is what you are trying to explain.
-Independent variables, also known as the predictor or explanatory
variables, are the factors that you explain variation in the dependent
variable. In other words, these are the causes.
Theoretical Framework
- refers to the theory that a researcher chooses to guide him/her
in his/her research.
- is the application of a theory, or a set of concepts drawn from
one and the same theory, to offer an explanation of an event, or
shed some light on a particular phenomenon or research
problem.
-provides a general representation of relationships between
things in a given phenomenon.
Strategies in Developing an effective
THEORETICAL Framework
• Examine your thesis title and research problem.
• Brainstorm on what you consider to be the key
variables in your research.
• Review related literature
• List the constructs and variables
• Review the key social science theories
• Discuss the assumptions or propositions
In writing this part of your research paper, keep in
mind the following:
• Clearly describe the framework, concepts, models, or
specific theories that underpin your study. Position your
theoretical framework within a broader context of
related frameworks, concepts, models, or theories
• The present tense is used when writing about theory.
• You should make your theoretical assumptions as
explicit as possible.
• Don’t just take what the theory says as a given!
Conceptual Framework
Comprised of concepts, assertions, models, prepositions and/or
theories developed by researchers that explain your topic of
interest, research problem and/or phenomenon of focus.
The conceptual framework embodies the specific direction by
which the research will have to be undertaken.
The conceptual framework “sets the stage” for the presentation
of the particular research question that drives the investigation
being reported based on the problem statement.
McGaghie et al. (2001)
How to Make the CONCEPTUAL Framework
1. Choose your topic.

2. Do a literature review.
3. Isolate the important variables.
4. Generate the conceptual framework.
Developing a Conceptual Framework
Solving Puzzle Developing conceptual framework
1. Looking at Clearly describing the research
the puzzle problem/phenomenon
2. Examining Assessing each of the existing concepts,
each piece of assertions, models, prepositions and/or theories
the puzzle in terms of how they explain the phenomenon:
strengths and limitations
3. Putting the Synthesizing them to explain the phenomenon
pieces together and identifying a gap, which your study would
fill
4. Forming a Developing a diagram to illustrate the synthesis
picture with the
pieces
Conceptual differences between
CONCEPTUAL and THEORETICAL Frameworks
Variable Conceptual framework Theoretical framework
Gene- (a) Created by the researcher from a Evolves, or ‘takes shape’, from reviewed
sis variety of conceptual or theoretical literature and/or the data collected.
perspectives; Adopted / adapted from a pre-existing
theory or theoretical perspective.
Pur- (a) Helps the researcher see clearly the (a) Helps the researcher see clearly the
pose main variables and concepts in a given main variables and concepts in a given
study; variables and concepts in a given study;
(b) Provides the researcher with a general (b) Provides the researcher with a general
approach (methodology – research approach (methodology – research
design, target population and research design, target population and research
sample, data collection & analysis); sample, data collection & analysis); and
(c) Guides the researcher in the collection, (c) Guides the researcher in the collection,
interpretation and explanation of the data interpretation and explanation of the
where no dominant theoretical data.
perspective exists.
(d) Guides future research –
specifically where the conceptual
framework integrates literature review
and field data.
Conceptual Synthesis of relevant concepts. Application of a theory
Meaning as a whole or in part.
(a)Mainly inductive, as in social Mainly deductive,
Process sciences where research where in natural
problems cannot be explained by sciences where
Underlying
one theoretical perspective; hypothesis testing takes
review of (b)Some social science research also place to verify the
Literature gets driven by theories, but ‘power’ of a theory.
theories in the social sciences tend
not to have the same ‘power’ as
those in the natural sciences.
Methodo- (a)May be located in both a) Located mainly in the
logical quantitative and qualitative quantitative research
research paradigms; increasingly, paradigm
Approach
mixed-methods approaches are (b) Data collected mainly
recommended; through experimental
(b) Data mostly collected through designs, empirical surveys
both empirical and descriptive and tests;
survey instruments, interviews and
direct observations – hence,
a preponderance of qualitative
data;
Scope of (c) Strong on consideration of (c) Efforts made to
Application context. standardize context, or
Limited to specific research else ignore it.
problem and or context. Wider application beyond
the current
research problem and
context.
Comparison of theoretical between conceptual
framework
Theoretical Framework is a Conceptual Framework
theory in the form of is the researcher’s own
model/paradigm that model illustrating
serves as the basis for the variables that specify
study. It mentions the the problem and gives
components of the study direction to the study. It
and their results. may be an adaptation
of a model in an early
theory, with
modifications to suit the
inquiry.
Conclusion:
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
are not competing but
COMPLEMENTARY
THANK YOU!

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What are the main differences between a conceptual framework and a theoretical framework?

What are some strategies for developing an effective theoretical framework?

Theoretical and

1. Choose your topic.

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