THEORETICAL &

CONCEPTUAL
FRAMEWORKS
The terms theoretical framework and conceptual
framework are often used interchangeably to
mean the same thing. Although they are both
used to understand a research problem and guide
the development, collection, and analysis of
research, it's important to understand
the difference between the two.
THEORETICAL
FRAMEWORK
A theoretical framework is a single formal
theory. When a study is designed around a
theoretical framework, the theory is the primary
means in which the research problem is
understood and investigated. Although
theoretical frameworks tend to be used in
quantitative studies, you will also see this
approach in qualitative research.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
A conceptual framework includes one or more
formal theories (in part or whole) as well as other
concepts and empirical findings from the literature.
It is used to show relationships among these ideas
and how they relate to the research study.
Conceptual frameworks are commonly seen in
qualitative research in the social and behavioral
sciences, for example, because often one theory
cannot fully address the phenomena being studied.
INV EST IG AT E
T HEORY
Identifying and learning about theories requires
a different search strategy than other types of
research. Even though the steps are different,
you will still use many of the same skills and
tools you’ve used for other library research.
• Think broadly and consider theories from a
variety of fields:psychology: human
development, cognition, personality,
motivation
• sociology: social change, race, class, gender
• business: leadership, management
• health: patient care, well-being, environment
• Think big and save complex, theoretical works
for later in your research. Begin by looking for
overviews of theories in:course textbooks
• encyclopedias and handbooks
• books
• credible websites
 STRENGTHENING THEORY
Identifying a theory that aligns with your
dissertation or doctoral study takes time. It’s
never too early to start exploratory research.
The process of identifying an appropriate theory
can seem daunting, so try breaking down the
process into smaller steps.
• Explore theories being used in:
– your theory courses
– completed dissertations and doctoral studies
– encyclopedias and handbooks
– the scholarly literature on your topic
• Keep a list of theories and take notes on how and
why they were used.
• Identify and learn more about relevant theories.
• Locate influential and seminal works related to
those theories.
 SAMPLE

The Effects of Translation

Strategy in Reducing the Writing
Anxiety among Grade 12
HUMSS Students
• Theoretical Framework
• The study is grounded on the definition given by (Hilgard,
Atkinson, & Atkinson, 1971) where anxiety is defined as a psychological
construct that is described as a state of apprehension, a vague fear
that is only indirectly associated with an object (Hilgard, Atkinson, &
Atkinson, 1971). Anxiety has been found to interfere with several types
of learning but when it is associated with learning a second or foreign
language it is coined as „second/foreign language anxiety‟. McIntyre
and Gardner (1994) defined this linguistic phenomenon as a subjective
feeling of tension, apprehension, nervousness, and worry associated
with an arousal of the automatic nervous system. Furthermore,
McIntyre (1999) states that language anxiety as the worry and negative
emotional reaction aroused when learning a second language.
Research Paradigm

LEVEL OF WRITING
ANXIETY OF GRADE 12
STUDENTS TAXONOMY OF
TRANLATION
a.) Communication IMPROVEMENT OF
STRATEGIES
anxiety b.) Fear of WRITING SKILLS and
EMPLOYED BY THE
negative evaluation c.) ACADEMIC
STUDENTS
Test anxiety d.) Anxiety PERFORMANCE
in the English classroom
(which includes teacher
and teaching styles)
THE END