THEORETICAL AND

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
It shapes the justification of the research
problem/research objectives in order to provide the
legal basis for defining its parameters.
(Note: A parameter is a rule or limit that controls what
something is or how something should be done)
It is a symbolic construction which uses abstract
concepts, facts or laws, variables and their relations
that explain and predict how an observed
phenomenon exists and operates.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
It presents specific and well-defined concepts which
are called constructs.
Its function is similar to theoretical framework
because the constructs used are derived from abstract
concepts of the theoretical framework.
The variables, either independent, dependent or both,
are more specific, concrete and detailed than the
theoretical framework.
Example:
Research Title: Molluscicidal Activity of Dieffenbachia
bowmannii to Kuhol (Pomacaea canaliculata)
Theoretical Framework:

Different concentrations
of Dieffenbachia Mortality of kuhol
bowmannii (Independent (Dependent Variable)
Variable)

Conceptual Framework:
Number of dead kuhol in
20% 20% group
50% Number of dead kuhol in
100% 50% group
(independent variable) Number of dead kuhol in
100% group
(dependent variable)
References:
Laurentina Paler-Calmorin and Melchor A. Calmorin,
Research Methods and Thesis Writing (2nd Ed)