Kingsman Academic Resources:

Theoretical Framework for your Research

Prof. Abejide Ade-Ibijola
Research Group on Data, Artificial Intelligence, and
Innovations for Digital Transformation
Johannesburg Business School
University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
April 2023

1 Introduction
This document provides reference and direction for postgraduate students in
the Research Group on Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Innovations for Digital
Transformation with regards to selecting a theoretical framework for their PG
study. This is applicable at both master’s and doctoral levels.

2 Theoretical Framework: What is, and Why?

A theoretical framework is a set of concepts, ideas, or theories that provides a
foundation for research or a study. It helps to guide the research process and
provides a way to interpret and analyze the data collected. The theoretical
framework is essentially the backbone of a dissertation or thesis, as it sets the
stage for the research and shapes the overall direction of the project.

In simpler terms, a theoretical framework is like a map that helps researchers

navigate through the study by providing a set of principles and concepts that
guide their research process. It helps them to answer research questions and
draw conclusions based on a set of established theories and concepts in their
field of study.

Having a theoretical framework in a dissertation or thesis is important be-

cause it provides a way for the researcher to connect their study with existing
research in their field. This helps to establish the significance of the study and
shows how it contributes to the existing body of knowledge. Additionally, the
theoretical framework helps to guide the selection of research methods, data
analysis techniques, and the interpretation of results.

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 Overall, a theoretical framework is an important component of a dissertation
or thesis because it provides a structure and framework for the research study,
and helps to establish its significance and contribution to the field of study.

3 Popular Theoretical Frameworks

The number of theoretical frameworks is vast and constantly evolving as new
research and theories emerge in different fields of study. Moreover, there is no
single comprehensive source that catalogs all known theoretical frameworks.

Each field of study has its own set of established theories and frameworks
that are commonly used by researchers. Some of the most well-known and
widely used theoretical frameworks in different fields include:

1. Social Learning Theory by Albert Bandura (1977)

2. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs by Abraham Maslow (1943)
3. Social Cognitive Theory by Albert Bandura (1986)
4. The Health Belief Model by Irwin Rosenstock (1966)
5. The Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change by James Prochaska and
Carlo DiClemente (1983)
6. The Theory of Planned Behavior by Icek Ajzen (1985)
7. The Theory of Reasoned Action by Martin Fishbein and Icek Ajzen (1975)
8. The Ecological Systems Theory by Urie Bronfenbrenner (1979)
9. The Cognitive Load Theory by John Sweller (1988)
10. The Dual-Coding Theory by Allan Paivio (1971)

This is just a small sampling of some of the more well-known theoretical

frameworks in different fields. It is important to note that this list is by no means
comprehensive and that there are many other important theoretical frameworks
that are widely used by researchers in different fields. Additionally, there may
be different variations or adaptations of these theories depending on the specific
research question or context.

4 Summary of 12 Adoptable Theoretical Frame-

works Across Domains
1. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs - Abraham Maslow (1943) Maslow’s Hier-
archy of Needs is a theory that suggests humans have five basic needs,
arranged in a hierarchical order, with physiological needs at the bottom

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 and self-actualization at the top. The theory states that individuals will
first strive to fulfill their physiological needs before attempting to fulfill
their safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization needs.
2. Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development - Jean Piaget (1952) Piaget’s
Theory of Cognitive Development is a comprehensive theory of intellectual
development that suggests that individuals progress through four distinct
stages of cognitive development: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete
operational, and formal operational. This theory emphasizes the impor-
tance of environmental experiences on intellectual development.
3. Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory - Lev Vygotsky (1978) Vygotsky’s So-
ciocultural Theory emphasizes the importance of social interaction and
cultural context in cognitive development. Vygotsky argued that individ-
uals develop their understanding of the world around them through social
interaction, language, and culture.
4. Bandura’s Social Learning Theory - Albert Bandura (1977) Bandura’s So-
cial Learning Theory suggests that individuals learn through observation,
imitation, and modeling of others’ behaviors. The theory emphasizes the
importance of reinforcement, punishment, and self-efficacy in learning.
5. Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory - Erik Erikson (1950) Erikson’s Psychoso-
cial Theory emphasizes the importance of social and cultural factors in
shaping an individual’s identity and personality. The theory posits eight
stages of psychosocial development, each with a unique psychosocial crisis
that must be resolved in order for the individual to develop a healthy sense
of self.
6. Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory - Sigmund Freud (1895) Freud’s Psycho-
analytic Theory posits that human behavior is largely determined by un-
conscious processes and conflicts. The theory suggests that individuals
progress through five stages of psychosexual development and that unre-
solved conflicts during any of these stages can result in abnormal behavior.
7. Skinner’s Operant Conditioning - B.F. Skinner (1938) Skinner’s Operant
Conditioning suggests that behavior is shaped by the consequences of that
behavior. The theory emphasizes the importance of reinforcement and
punishment in shaping behavior.
8. Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development - Lawrence Kohlberg (1958)
Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development posits that individuals progress
through six stages of moral development. The theory suggests that indi-
viduals’ moral reasoning is shaped by their social and cultural experiences.
9. Holland’s Vocational Choice Theory - John Holland (1973) Holland’s Vo-
cational Choice Theory suggests that individuals select careers that match
their personality type. The theory posits six personality types, and indi-
viduals are most satisfied in careers that match their personality type.

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10. Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences - Howard Gardner (1983) Gard-
ner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences suggests that individuals possess
multiple types of intelligence, including linguistic, logical-mathematical,
spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal in-
telligence.
11. The Social Ecological Model - Urie Bronfenbrenner (1979) The Social
Ecological Model suggests that an individual’s behavior is shaped by a
complex system of factors, including the individual’s own biology, family,
community, culture, and society.
12. Attachment Theory - John Bowlby (1969) Attachment Theory posits that
early attachment experiences between infants and their caregivers shape
the individual’s attachment style throughout their lives.

5 Some Theories Used In Recent PhD Studies

1. Social Learning Theory: Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. En-
glewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. Social Learning Theory posits that indi-
viduals learn by observing and modeling the behavior of others. It suggests
that behavior is shaped not only by external reinforcement, but also by
internal reinforcement, such as self-efficacy beliefs. A recent PhD thesis
that used Social Learning Theory is ”The Influence of Social Learning
Theory on Adolescent Substance Use Prevention Programs” by J. Smith
(2021).
2. Self-Determination Theory: Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The”
what” and” why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination
of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
Self-Determination Theory suggests that humans have innate psycholog-
ical needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. It posits that the
satisfaction of these needs is necessary for optimal psychological function-
ing and well-being. A recent PhD thesis that used Self-Determination
Theory is ”Examining the Impact of Self-Determination Theory on Moti-
vation and Performance in the Workplace” by K. Johnson (2022).
3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Beck, A. T. (1976). Cognitive therapy
and the emotional disorders. International Universities Press. Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on
identifying and changing negative thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that
contribute to mental health problems. It is based on the idea that thoughts
and perceptions influence emotions and behaviors. A recent PhD thesis
that used CBT is ”The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in
Treating Anxiety Disorders” by M. Rodriguez (2022).
4. Attachment Theory: Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss: Vol. 1. At-
tachment. Basic Books. Attachment Theory suggests that early interac-

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 tions between infants and their primary caregivers shape the development
of attachment styles, which in turn influence individuals’ relationships
and behavior throughout life. It posits that secure attachment is neces-
sary for healthy development and functioning. A recent PhD thesis that
used Attachment Theory is ”The Relationship Between Attachment Style
and Romantic Relationship Satisfaction” by L. Davis (2021).
5. Social Identity Theory: Tajfel, H., Turner, J. C. (1986). The social
identity theory of intergroup behavior. Psychology of intergroup relations,
7, 24-58. Social Identity Theory posits that individuals’ self-concept is
partly based on the groups to which they belong, and that intergroup
conflict and discrimination can arise from the tendency to favor one’s own
group over others. It suggests that social identity is influenced by social
categorization, social comparison, and social identification processes. A
recent PhD thesis that used Social Identity Theory is ”The Impact of
Social Identity on Intergroup Conflict and Negotiation” by S. Lee (2022).
6. Humanistic Psychology: Maslow, A. H. (1968). Toward a psychology of
being. Van Nostrand Reinhold. Humanistic Psychology emphasizes the
importance of individual agency and subjective experience, and posits that
individuals have the potential for growth, creativity, and self-actualization.
It suggests that psychological problems arise when individuals are unable
to fulfill their basic needs for self-esteem, belongingness, and meaning.
A recent PhD thesis that used Humanistic Psychology is ”Exploring the
Role of Humanistic Therapy in Promoting Positive Mental Health” by E.
Nguyen (2021).
7. Feminist Theory: Harding, S. (1986). The science question in feminism.
Cornell University Press. Feminist Theory is a diverse set of theories and
perspectives that share a common goal of understanding and challenging
gender inequality andoppression. It recognizes that gender is not only a
personal identity but also a social construct shaped by power relations and
cultural norms. It emphasizes the importance of including women’s voices
and experiences in all areas of research and practice. A recent PhD thesis
that used Feminist Theory is ”Exploring the Role of Gender in Leadership
and Management in the Workplace” by C. Brown (2022).
8. Social Cognitive Theory: Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of
thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Prentice-Hall. Social Cog-
nitive Theory emphasizes the interplay between cognitive, behavioral, and
environmental factors in shaping human behavior. It suggests that indi-
viduals learn by observing and modeling the behavior of others, and that
cognitive processes such as attention, memory, and self-regulation play a
key role in this process. A recent PhD thesis that used Social Cognitive
Theory is ”Investigating the Role of Social Cognitive Processes in Health
Behavior Change Interventions” by R. Patel (2021).

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 9. Critical Race Theory: Delgado, R., Stefancic, J. (2001). Critical race
theory: An introduction. NYU Press. Critical Race Theory is a framework
that examines the ways in which race and racism intersect with other
forms of oppression, such as class, gender, and sexuality. It highlights
the role of power and privilege in shaping social institutions and systems,
and seeks to challenge the dominant narratives that perpetuate inequality
and injustice. A recent PhD thesis that used Critical Race Theory is
”Exploring the Impact of Race on Access to Mental Health Care” by A.
Jackson (2022).
10. Attachment-Based Therapy: Holmes, J. (2001). The search for the secure
base: Attachment theory and psychotherapy. Routledge. Attachment-
Based Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on repairing and
strengthening attachment bonds between individuals, such as between
parents and children or romantic partners. It emphasizes the impor-
tance of providing a secure base for individuals to explore and regulate
their emotions, and of repairing disruptions to attachment bonds that
can occur due to trauma, loss, or other stressors. A recent PhD the-
sis that used Attachment-Based Therapy is ”Examining the Effectiveness
of Attachment-Based Therapy for Treating Trauma in Children” by K.
Smith (2021).

6 Ten Theories Applicable for Digital Transfor-

mation Research
Here are ten theoretical frameworks that can be used in research on digital
transformation:

1. Disruptive Innovation Theory: Christensen, C. M. (1997). The innova-

tor’s dilemma: When new technologies cause great firms to fail. Harvard
Business Review Press. Disruptive Innovation Theory suggests that es-
tablished companies are vulnerable to disruption by new technologies and
business models that initially appeal to less profitable markets but even-
tually gain a foothold and outcompete the incumbents. In the context
of digital transformation, this theory can be used to explore how digital
technologies are disrupting established industries and creating new oppor-
tunities for innovation and growth.
2. Technology Acceptance Model: Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness,
perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS
quarterly. The Technology Acceptance Model proposes that individuals’
adoption of technology is influenced by their perception of its usefulness
and ease of use. In the context of digital transformation, this model can be
used to study factors that influence employees’ acceptance and adoption
of new digital tools and systems.

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3. Digital Ecosystems Theory: Adner, R., Kapoor, R. (2010). Value creation
in innovation ecosystems: How the structure of technological interdepen-
dence affects firm performance in new technology generations. Strategic
management journal. Digital Ecosystems Theory suggests that digital
technologies are creating complex networks of interdependent actors, in-
cluding firms, customers, and other stakeholders, that interact to create
value in new and innovative ways. In the context of digital transformation,
this theory can be used to study the emergence and evolution of digital
ecosystems and their impact on firms’ competitive advantage.
4. Resource-Based View Theory: Barney, J. B. (1991). Firm resources and
sustained competitive advantage. Journal of management. Resource-
Based View Theory proposes that a firm’s resources, including its tech-
nological capabilities, are a key source of competitive advantage. In the
context of digital transformation, this theory can be used to study how
firms can leverage their digital resources to create and sustain competitive
advantage.
5. Social Network Theory: Granovetter, M. (1973). The strength of weak
ties. American journal of sociology. Social Network Theory suggests that
social networks are a critical factor in shaping individuals’ attitudes, be-
haviors, and opportunities. In the context of digital transformation, this
theory can be used to study how digital technologies are changing the na-
ture of social networks and the impact of these changes on organizations
and individuals.
6. Institutional Theory: DiMaggio, P. J., Powell, W. W. (1983). The iron
cage revisited: Institutional isomorphism and collective rationality in or-
ganizational fields. American sociological review. Institutional Theory
suggests that organizations are influenced by the norms, values, and rules
of the broader institutional environment in which they operate. In the
context of digital transformation, this theory can be used to study how
institutional pressures are shaping firms’ adoption and use of digital tech-
nologies.
7. Information Processing Theory: Simon, H. A. (1969). The sciences of
the artificial. MIT Press. Information Processing Theory proposes that
individuals process information through a series of stages, including per-
ception, attention, memory, and decision-making. In the context of digital
transformation, this theory can be used to study how individuals and or-
ganizations process and use digital information to make decisions and take
action.
8. Agency Theory: Jensen, M. C., Meckling, W. H. (1976). Theory of the
firm: Managerial behavior, agency costs and ownership structure. Journal
of financial economics. Agency Theory suggests that there are inherent
conflicts of interest between principals (such as shareholders) and agents
(such as managers) in organizations, and that these conflicts can affect

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 decision-making and performance. Inthe context of digital transformation,
this theory can be used to study how digital technologies are changing the
dynamics of agency relationships within organizations.
9. Dynamic Capabilities Theory: Teece, D. J., Pisano, G., Shuen, A. (1997).
Dynamic capabilities and strategic management. Strategic management
journal. Dynamic Capabilities Theory proposes that firms must contin-
ually develop and adapt their capabilities in response to changing envi-
ronments to maintain competitive advantage. In the context of digital
transformation, this theory can be used to study how firms are building
and leveraging digital capabilities to respond to digital disruption and
competition.

10. Business Model Innovation Theory: Chesbrough, H. W. (2010). Busi-

ness model innovation: Opportunities and barriers. Long range planning.
Business Model Innovation Theory suggests that firms can create value
and competitive advantage by innovating their business models, which in-
volves rethinking the way they create, deliver, and capture value. In the
context of digital transformation, this theory can be used to study how
firms are using digital technologies to innovate their business models and
create new value propositions.

These 10 theoretical frameworks can be used in various ways to study digital

transformation. For example, a recent PhD thesis that uses Disruptive Inno-
vation Theory to study digital transformation is ”Disruptive Technologies and
Strategic Agility in the Telecommunications Industry” by Sarah Bouchetara
(2021). This thesis examines how telecommunications companies are respond-
ing to disruptive technologies such as 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) and
how they are developing strategic agility to adapt to these changes.

Another recent PhD thesis that uses Technology Acceptance Model to study
digital transformation is ”The Role of Technology Acceptance and Use for the
Adoption of Digital Workplace Tools” by Jens Bröcher (2020). This thesis
investigates the factors that influence employees’ adoption and use of digital
workplace tools such as collaboration software and how organizations can pro-
mote their adoption.

These are just a couple of examples of how these theoretical frameworks can
be used in research on digital transformation.

7 Ten Theories Applicable for Research in Ar-

tificial Intelligence
Here are ten theoretical frameworks that can be used in research on artificial
intelligence:

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1. Cognitive architectures: These frameworks describe the structures and
processes of the human mind and how they can be replicated in machines.
Cognitive architectures can be used to model human-like decision mak-
ing and problem solving in artificial agents. Examples include ACT-R
(Anderson et al., 2004) and Soar (Laird, 2012).

2. Bayesian networks: These are probabilistic graphical models that can

represent uncertain relationships between variables. Bayesian networks
are useful for modeling complex systems with many interdependent vari-
ables, such as those found in natural language processing and computer
vision. Examples include the Hidden Markov Model (Rabiner, 1989) and
the Kalman filter (Kalman, 1960).

3. Neural networks: These frameworks use interconnected layers of artificial

neurons to learn from data and make predictions. Neural networks are use-
ful for tasks such as image recognition, natural language processing, and
game playing. Examples include Convolutional Neural Networks (LeCun
et al., 1998) and Recurrent Neural Networks (Hochreiter and Schmidhu-
ber, 1997).
4. Reinforcement learning: This framework involves training agents to make
decisions based on rewards and punishments in an environment. Rein-
forcement learning is useful for tasks such as game playing and robotics.
Examples include Q-learning (Watkins and Dayan, 1992) and deep rein-
forcement learning (Mnih et al., 2015).
5. Evolutionary algorithms: These frameworks use principles of natural se-
lection to optimize solutions to a problem. Evolutionary algorithms are
useful for tasks such as optimization and game playing. Examples include
genetic algorithms (Holland, 1975) and evolutionary strategies (Schwefel,
1975).
6. Fuzzy logic: This framework allows for reasoning with uncertain or im-
precise data. Fuzzy logic is useful for tasks such as decision making and
control systems. Examples include the Mamdani fuzzy system (Mamdani
and Assilian, 1975) and the Sugeno fuzzy system (Sugeno, 1985).

7. Symbolic AI: This framework involves representing knowledge and rea-

soning with symbols and rules. Symbolic AI is useful for tasks such as
natural language understanding and expert systems. Examples include
the Production System (Newell and Simon, 1972) and the Semantic Net-
work (Quillian, 1967).

8. Multi-agent systems: These frameworks involve multiple agents interact-

ing with each other to achieve a common goal. Multi-agent systems are
useful for tasks such as coordination and negotiation. Examples include
the Contract Net Protocol (Smith, 1980) and the Auction-based Multi-
Agent System (Parkes and Wellman, 2001).

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 9. Game theory: This framework involves modeling strategic interactions
between multiple agents. Game theory is useful for tasks such as multi-
agent coordination and decision making. Examples include the Prisoner’s
Dilemma (Axelrod, 1984) and the Ultimatum Game (Guth et al., 1982).
10. Complexity theory: This framework involves studying complex systems
and emergent behavior. Complexity theory is useful for tasks such as
understanding the behavior of artificial agents in complex environments.
Examples include the Cellular Automaton (Wolfram, 1983) and the Arti-
ficial Life approach (Langton, 1992).

8 How to Write the Theoretical Framework Ses-

sion or Chapter of Your Research
Here are a few steps to follow in the structuring of your chapter on theoretical
framework.

1. Present the theoretical framework that you have chosen for your research
2. Explain the key concepts, assumptions, and principles that underlie the
framework
3. Describe how the framework relates to your research questions and hy-
potheses

9 Blending Theories
Blending two or more theoretical frameworks for a research study can be a
challenging task, but it is possible with careful planning and execution. Here
are some steps that you can follow to blend multiple theoretical frameworks for
your research study:

1. Identify the key concepts and assumptions of each theoretical framework:

Begin by identifying the key concepts and assumptions of each theoretical
framework that you want to blend. This will help you to identify any
overlaps or gaps between the frameworks and how they might complement
each other.

2. Identify the research questions and hypotheses: Develop a set of research

questions and hypotheses that you want to explore in your study. Make
sure that these questions are clearly aligned with the conceptual frame-
work you are trying to develop.
3. Determine the fit between the frameworks and the research questions:
Evaluate the fit between each theoretical framework and the research
questions and hypotheses that you have developed. This will help you

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 to identify which framework(s) are most relevant for your study and how
they might be combined.
4. Develop a conceptual framework: Based on the above steps, develop a con-
ceptual framework that blends the key concepts and assumptions of each
theoretical framework. This framework should provide a clear and coher-
ent explanation of the relationships between the concepts and assumptions
and how they relate to the research questions and hypotheses.
5. Test the conceptual framework: Once you have developed your conceptual
framework, test it using appropriate research methods and data collection
techniques. This will help you to determine the validity and reliability of
the framework and whether it adequately addresses your research ques-
tions and hypotheses.
6. Revise the conceptual framework: Based on the results of your testing,
revise your conceptual framework as needed to improve its validity and
reliability. This may involve making adjustments to the key concepts and
assumptions, refining the research questions and hypotheses, or changing
the research methods and data collection techniques.
7. Evaluate the blending of the frameworks: Finally, evaluate the blending
of the theoretical frameworks in terms of how well they work together to
address your research questions and hypotheses. Identify any strengths
and weaknesses of the blending and provide recommendations for future
research.

Overall, blending theoretical frameworks requires a careful consideration of

the key concepts and assumptions of each framework, as well as a deep un-
derstanding of the research questions and hypotheses. By following the above
steps, you can develop a conceptual framework that blends multiple theoreti-
cal frameworks and provides a robust and comprehensive foundation for your
research study.

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