How to make a Theoretical and

Conceptual Framework

Lesson 7 – Midterms
PR2
What is a Theoretical Framework?

 A foundational review of existing theories that serves as a

roadmap for developing the arguments you will use in your own
work.

 In a theoretical framework, you explain the existing theories that

support your research, showing that your paper or dissertation
topic is relevant and grounded in established ideas.
What is a Theoretical Framework?

 In other words, your theoretical framework justifies and

contextualizes your later research, and it’s a crucial first step for
your research paper, thesis, or dissertation. A well-rounded
theoretical framework sets you up for success later on in your
research and writing process.
How to write a Theoretical Framework?

1. Identify your key concepts

The first step is to pick out the key terms from your problem
statement and research questions. Concepts often have multiple
definitions, so your theoretical framework should also clearly define
what you mean by each term.
EXAMPLE

Objective: To increase the quantity of return customers.

Research question: How can the satisfaction of company X’s online customers
be improved in order to increase the quantity of return customers?

The concepts of “customer loyalty” and “customer satisfaction” are clearly

central to this study, along with their relationship to the likelihood that a
customer will return. Your theoretical framework should define these concepts
and discuss theories about the relationship between these variables.
How to write a Theoretical Framework?

2. Evaluate and explain relevant theories

As you write your theoretical framework, your aim is to compare

and critically evaluate the approaches that different authors have taken.

After discussing different models and theories, you can establish

the definitions that best fit your research and justify why.
How to write a Theoretical Framework?

You can even combine theories from different fields to build

your own unique framework if this better suits your topic.

Note: Make sure to at least briefly mention each of the most

important theories related to your key concepts.
How to write a Theoretical Framework?

3. Show how your research fits into existing research

The theoretical framework should show how your project will make use
of these ideas and take them a step further. You might aim to do one or more of
the following:

 Test whether a theory holds in a specific, previously unexamined context

 Use an existing theory as a basis for interpreting your results
 Critique or challenge a theory
 Combine different theories in a new or unique way
Structuring your Theoretical Framework

 As a rule of thumb, if your research involves dealing with a lot of

complex theories, it’s a good idea to include a separate theoretical
framework chapter.

 There are no fixed rules for structuring your theoretical

framework, but it’s best to double-check with your department or
institution to make sure they don’t have any formatting
guidelines.
 Structuring your Theoretical Framework

The most important thing is to create a clear, logical structure. There are a few ways to do this:

 Draw on your research questions, structuring each section around a question or key concept
 Organize by theory cluster
 Organize by date
 It’s important that the information in your theoretical framework is clear for your reader.
Make sure to ask a friend to read this section for you, or use a professional proofreading
service.
 As in all other parts of your research paper, thesis, or dissertation, make sure to properly cite
your sources to avoid plagiarism.
How to make a Theoretical Framework?

 Specify research objectives.

 Note the prominent variables under the study.
 Explore and review the literature through keywords identified as prominent variables.
 Note the theories that contain these variables or the keywords.
 Review all selected theories again in the light of the study’s objectives, and the key variables
identified.
 Search for alternative theoretical propositions in the literature that may challenge the ones
already selected.
 Ensure that the framework aligns with the study’s objectives, problem statement, the main
research question, methodology, data analysis, and the expected conclusion.
 Decide on the final framework and begin developing.
What is a Conceptual Framework?

A conceptual framework typically involves the creation of a

visual diagram that shows the connection and interrelation of
different variables. This framework assists the researcher in drawing
logical conclusions from the available data and tests the causal
relationships that exist between different types of variables. The
conceptual framework explains the project's purpose and the
question it seeks to answer.
How to make a Conceptual Framework?

1. Select a topic

Consider your area of expertise, specialization, interests, and

personal goals when selecting a topic. You may outline a list of
possible topics before making a final selection. Analyze your
available resources and ensure they're sufficient for the project.
How to make a Conceptual Framework?

2. Create a research question

Analyze the topic, and conduct significant research to gain a

deep understanding of the subject. Highlight questions during your
study, as they may form part of the research problem. Ensure that
the question is specific, clear, and understandable.
How to make a Conceptual Framework?

3. Review the available literature

Conduct preliminary research to discover the available

literature and reports on your research problem. You might ask your
colleagues, mentors, and other professionals to recommend sources
that may aid you. Visiting academic libraries may also help you
discover more material and resources for the project.
How to make a Conceptual Framework?

4. Identify the variables

These studies may explicitly state the variables or may require

you to check them yourself. There may be independent and
dependent variables in the research study.
How to make a Conceptual Framework?

5. Outline the relationships

After selecting your variables, study their relationships with

one another. Using the available literature and academic material,
define the connections and similarities between the different
variables.
How to make a Conceptual Framework?

6. Design the framework

List your variables and their interrelations before you design

the conceptual framework. Select an illustration theme for your
conceptual framework. These themes may differ based on the
research project's content and goal.
Example of Conceptual Framework

 INPUT-PROCESS-OUTPUT

The IPO model represents a system in three stages: input,

process and output. Inputs are modeled as consumables and efforts
that are introduced to a system at the beginning stage of the
lifecycle.
 Theoretical vs. Conceptual Framework

 The theoretical framework broadly describes the relationship

between significant theories to an idea or research problem. It
involves outlining the materials and theories that affirm your
research conclusion.
 The conceptual framework is more specific, as it shows the
variables relating to the project and provides a clear outline of the
researcher's steps.