Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

Practical Research 1
By Marielle Dominique G. De la Cruz
Theoretical
framework is
a ‘blueprint’
of the
research
study.
Without a theoretical
framework, the
structure and vision
for a study is
unclear, much like a
house that cannot be
constructed without
a blueprint.
The Theoretical
framework is “the
most difficult but
not impossible part
of the proposal”
(Iqubal, 2007).
Understanding the
Theoretical
Framework
What is Theoretical Framework?
The theoretical framework serves as the foundation from
which all knowledge is constructed for a research study.
It serves as the structure and support for the following:
Background of the study
Statement of the problem
Purpose
Significance of the study
Research questions
What is Theoretical Framework?

The theoretical framework provides a ‘grounding

base’ or an anchor for:
Literature review
Methods
Analysis
Theoretical framework
includes…
• Selected theory (or theories) that
portrays your thinking and how you
understand and plan to research your
topic
• The concepts and definitions from the
theory that are relevant to your topic.
• Justification of every decision made in
the research process (i.e. variables, target
audience/respondents, scope,
delimitations, methods/analysis.
2 Main Steps in Constructing the
Theoretical Framework
1. Researchers must choose a theory to structure
their research.
- transformational/relational theories
- transactional/management theories
- servant leadership/moral theories
- trait/behavioral theories
- situational theories
Steps in Constructing the Theoretical
Framework
1. Researchers must choose a theory to structure
their research.
- systems theory
- Developmental theory
- Cognitive Theory
- Sense of community theory
- Queer Theory
Steps in Constructing the Theoretical
Framework
STEP 1. Researchers must choose a theory to
structure their research.
- Feminist theory
- Critical race theory
- Self-efficacy Theory
- Gender Theory
- Identity Formation
How do you choose the appropriate
theory/s for your study?
There is no one PERFECT or right theory for a study, but
certain theories are popular with each discipline.
Research Goal:
To assess/reexamine the learning
experiences of English majors in a highly-
competitive university with Engineering as
its flagship program.
Research Goal:

To assess/reexamine the learning experiences

of English majors in a highly-competitive
university with Engineering as its flagship
program.

All highlighted terms are relevant to EDUCATION. So, it

would be best to use Educational theories.
Research Goal:

To assess/reexamine the learning experiences

of English majors in a highly-competitive
university with Engineering as its flagship
program.

The education setting is emphasized so you can apply Sense

of Community Theory.
Steps in Constructing the Theoretical
Framework
STEP 2. All the concepts, principles, constructs, and
elements of the chosen theory should be followed.
- before fully committing to a research design, you
must first consider the guiding principles of your
inquiry
- helps assess and refine your goals, develop realistic
and relevant research questions, and select appropriate
methods
Good news! You can ‘borrow’ another
researcher’s framework.

You can adapt a ready-made framework and include it in your

study.
Where does a Theoretical framework
emerge?
• The theoretical framework is placed in Chapter 1 and
after Chapter 4.
• The framework in Chapter 1 supports all the ideas and
decisions you made in constructing your research.
• The framework presented after Chapter 4 is YOUR
OWN theoretical framework based on the general
findings gleaned from the data analysis and
interpretation.
Understanding the
Conceptual
Framework
What is a Conceptual Framework?
• If theoretical framework is derived from existing
theory (or theories), the conceptual framework is the
researcher’s understanding of how the research
problem will best be explored, the specific direction
the research will have to take, and the relationship
between the different variables in the study.
• Conceptual framework is like the FLOOR PLAN of
your study.
What is a Conceptual Framework?

•It offers a logical structure of connected

concepts that help provide a picture or
visual display of how ideas in a study
relate to one another within a
theoretical framework.
•It shows the process of your analysis.
What is a Conceptual Framework?

•Concepts the researchers should be

knowledgeable about:
 purpose of the study
 research design
 theoretical framework
Note: Theoretical and conceptual framework go together.
Research Goal:
To assess/reexamine the learning experiences of
English majors in a highly-competitive
university with Engineering as its flagship
program.
Research Design: Case Study
Definition: A case study may be done to highlight a specific
issue by telling a story of one person or one group. 
Purpose: In depth description of the experience of a single
person, a family, a group, a community or an organisation.
Methods:
• Observation
• Interview
• Oral recording
• Documents
Combine the concepts from the theoretical framework to the conceptual
framework.
Another example:
Theoretical Framework Conceptual Framework
Theory: Educational Equity Theory RTL Best Practices

Theorists: Key theoretical principles: equality

Marx (1975) Justified inequality, fair process, social
Brookover, Lexotte (1981) justice accesse participation.

Core concepts: screening, diagnosis,

progress monitoring ( as defined by NO
Child Left Behind Lesgistlation.
Note…

The selection of a theoretical framework

requires a deep and thoughtful understanding
of your problem, purpose, significance and
research questions. It is imperative that all 4
constructs – the problem, purpose,
significance, and research questions—are
tightly aligned.