ABSTRACT

Theoretical and conceptual frameworks guide the paths of a research and offer the foundation for establishing its credibility. Though these terms
seem similar, they are different from each other in concept and in their roles in the research inquiry. However, many students find it difficult and
confusing to distinguish between these two closely related frameworks while defining their roles in their research. Yet, the inclusion of a theoretical
and/or conceptual framework is a mandatory requirement in a thesis or dissertation that shows the student’s map of the resear ch s/he seeks to
undertake. A good comprehension of both frameworks would inure to a good investigation. This article explains the meanings of the terms, their
importance in the research process, their difference and similarities while offering insightful suggestions on how they can b e constructed and
utilized for a particular research.
KEYWORDS

Introduction theories that underpin the knowledge base of the phenomenon to be

The theoretical and conceptual framework explains the path of a investigated. The student is expected to make a unique application of
research and grounds it firmly in theoretical constructs. The overall the selected theory so as to apply the theoretical constructs to his/her
aim of the two frameworks is to make research findings more dissertation study.
meaningful, acceptable to the theoretical constructs in the research
field and ensures generalizability. They assist in stimulating research The Importance of Theoretical Framework in Research
while ensuring the extension of knowledge by providing both direction The theoretical framework offers several benefits to a research work. It
and impetus to the research inquiry. They also enhance the empiricism provides the structure in showing how a researcher defines his/her
and rigor of a research. Thus, it is no exaggeration for Imenda (2014) to study philosophically, epistemologically, methodology and
say that both the theoretical and conceptual frameworks give life to a analytically (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). Ravitch and Carl (2016) concur
research. Unfortunately, many postgraduate students and faculty staff that the theoretical framework assist researchers in situating and
at universities are confused of the two terms and apply them wrongly in contextualizing formal theories into their studies as a guide. This
their research papers. As a result, their research findings become weak positions their studies in scholarly and academic fashion. Moreover,
because of the inappropriate application of a suitable theoretical the theoretical framework serves as the focus for the research and it is
fra mework and/or conceptual fra mework. This blurs the linked to the research problem under study. Therefore, it guides a
understanding of readers of the research paper who are lost, not researcher’s choice of research design and data analysis plan. The
knowing the purpose of the study, the importance of the study and the theoretical framework also guides the kind of data to be accrued for a
scholars the researcher is in dialogue with, whether in agreement or particular study (Lester, 2005). The theoretical framework, thus, aids
disagreement (Evan, 2007). A research without the theoretical or the researcher in finding an appropriate research approach, analytical
conceptual framework makes it difficult for readers in ascertaining the tools and procedures for his/her research inquiry. It makes research
academic position and the underlying factors to the researcher’s findings more meaningful and generalizable (Akintoye, 2015). Imenda
assertions and/or hypotheses. This renders the research sloppy and not (2014) clearly posits that a research without the theoretical framework
appreciable as contributing significantly to the advancement of the lacks accurate direction to the search of appropriate literature and
frontiers of knowledge. This article explains with clear understanding, scholarly discussions of the findings from the research. For other
the two frameworks and how they could be utilized efficiently in the scholars in the field of inquiry, the theoretical framework provides a
research expedition. common worldview or lens from which to support one’s thinking about
the problem and analysis of data (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
What is a Theoretical Framework?
It is the ‘blueprint’ or guide for a research (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). It The theoretical framework guides and should resonate with every
is a framework based on an existing theory in a field of inquiry that is aspect of the research process from the definition of the problem,
related and/or reflects the hypothesis of a study. It is a blueprint that is literature survey, methodology, presentation and discussion of the
often ‘borrowed’ by the researcher to build his/her own house or findings as well as the conclusions that are drawn. Eisenhart (1991)
research inquiry. It serves as the foundation upon which a research is contends that the theoretical framework helps the researcher in
constructed. Sinclair (2007) as well as Fulton and Krainovich-Miller considering alternative theories that might challenge his or her
(2010) compare the role of the theoretical framework to that of a map perspective, thereby enriching the strengths of the study. Simon and
or travel plan. Thus, when travelling to a particular location, the map Goes (2011) as well as Maxwell (2004) aver that theoretical
guides your path. Likewise, the theoretical framework guides the frameworks deepen the essence of the study. Thus, research proposals
researcher so that s/he would not deviate from the confines of the that require funding must clearly show the theoretical framework that
accepted theories to make his/her final contribution scholarly and pivots the intended research. It convinces funding agencies that the
academic. Thus, Brondizio, Leemans, and Solecki (2014) concur that research inquiry is worth supporting. For scholars in the field and
the theoretical framework is the specific theory or theories about readers, the proper selection and presence of a theoretical framework
aspects of human endeavor that can be useful to the study of events. convinces them that the study is not based on the personal instincts of
The theoretical framework consists of theoretical principles, the researcher but rather is firmly rooted in an established theory
constructs, concepts, and tenants of a theory (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). selected via credible studies (Akintoye, 2015).

In a postgraduate thesis or dissertation research, all aspects of the How to Select a Suitable Theoretical Framework
research are expected to connect to the theoretical framework (Grant & There is no one perfect or right theory for a dissertation, though certain
Osanloo, 2014). The student must tactfully select the relevant theory or theories are popular (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). Yet, the adoption or
adaptation of a theory must reflect the understanding of the researcher theoretical framework from the time the dissertation topic is initially
regarding the study and must drive the study (Simon & Goes, 2011). conceptualized (Dooyeweerd as cited in Sire, 2004). Staunch
The selection of a theoretical framework requires a thorough researchers profess that the researcher’s choice of a theory must be
understanding of the problem, purpose, significance and research stated explicitly early in the writing of a dissertation (Grant & Osanloo,
questions of a study. This is important because when the selection is 2014). This popular view is not misplaced because Mertens (1998)
poorly done, it would be as if the researcher is using a wrong bolt to argues that the theoretical framework influence every decision made
forcibly fix a wrong nut. The chosen theoretical framework must by the researcher in the carrying out of the research. As such, it needs
accentuate the purpose and importance of the study dissertation (Grant an early mention in a dissertation or thesis writing.
& Osanloo, 2014). To make an appropriate selection of a theoretical
context, the researcher must consider the guiding principles of the Example of Theoretical Framework
study and situate the problem in relation to it. The research questions of As it has already been highlighted, the selection of a theory depends on
the study and the purpose of the study must entail noticeable aspects of the discipline or field of research. Even within a particular discipline, a
the theoretical framework and must agree with the assertions specific theory or theories that resonate with the area of inquiry must be
promulgated by the theorists of the selected theory (Maxwell, 2004; selected. The authors illustrate this with an example of a study in
LoBiondo-Wood, 2010). Cultural Anthropology. A student is undertaking a research into how
the cultures of a group of people influence their attitudes towards the
After the entire study has been conducted, the research findings environment. In such a scenario, there are various theories in the field
accrued from the study must corroborate, extend, or modify the of study that agrees with the problem for investigation. These include
existing theory that was borrowed for the study (Lester, 2005). The the Human Environment Relations Theory, The Culture Theory, The
researcher may critique, develop and/or expand the theory that served Cultural Ecology Theory, Historical Ecology Theory, Environmental
as a guide for his/her study vis-à-vis the findings gleaned from the Determinism Theory, Culture Determinism Theory and so forth.
study (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). Munhall and Chenail (2008) contend Though these theories all postulate that people and their cultures have a
that this critique is often carried out in the data analysis stage of the relation with the environment, their internal workings and approach to
research before the final conclusions of the study are drawn. Grant and the subject differs. Therefore, it is the student/researcher who has to
Osanloo (2014) present a checklist that can aid researchers to be able to read and deepen his/her understanding of the theories, including the
identify the suitable theoretical framework for their research inquiry. exponents, historical background information of the theory, its
The authors have succinctly put them into questions that must be exponents, its theoretical constructs, and assumptions of its
reliably answered by the researcher to convince him/her that the proponents, the strengths and weaknesses before s/he can make an
selection of a theory or theories is appropriate for a particular study. appropriate selection in line with the problem and research questions
laid out for the study.
These questions are:

1. What discipline will the theory be applied to? Other parts of culture
2. Does the theory agree with the methodology plan for the study? Environment
3. Is the theory to be selected well developed with many theoretical Cultural
constructs? core

4. Have specific concepts or theoretical principles been selected to

meet the objectives of the study?
5. Does the problem of the study, the purpose and importance of the
study correlate with the theoretical framework? Fig. 1 The Theoretical Framework Cultural Ecology
6. Can the theory be used hand in hand with the research questions Source: Adopted from Steward (1968)
for the study?
7. Does the theoretical framework inform the literature review? What is a Conceptual Framework?
8. Does the data analysis plan agree with the selected theoretical A conceptual framework is a structure which the researcher believes
framework? can best explain the natural progression of the phenomenon to be
9. Does the theoretical framework undergird the conclusions and studied (Camp, 2001). It is linked with the concepts, empirical
recommendations based on the data analysis? research and important theories used in promoting and systemizing the
knowledge espoused by the researcher (Peshkin, 1993). It is the
Simon and Goes (2011) also suggest some points that can help researcher’s explanation of how the research problem would be
articulate the theory for an informed research. The important keys the explored. The conceptual framework presents an integrated way of
researcher have to satisfy include: looking at a problem under study (Liehr & Smith, 1999). In a statistical
perspective, the conceptual framework describes the relationship
1. Knowing the main concern for inquiry into the research between the main concepts of a study. It is arranged in a logical
2. Ascertaining the key variables in the research structure to aid provide a picture or visual display of how ideas in a
3. Reading and reviewing current related literature on the topic using study relate to one another (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). Interestingly, it
key word search. shows the series of action the researcher intends carrying out in a
4. Listing the constructs and variables that might be relevant for the research study (Dixon, Gulliver & Gibbon, 2001). The framework
study. makes it easier for the researcher to easily specify and define the
5. Considering how the variables are related to the theory concepts within the problem of the study (Luse, Mennecke &
6. Revising the search while adding the word ‘theory’ to the key Townsend, 2012). Miles and Huberman (1994, p.18) opine that
words to find the theories and theorists most in line with the conceptual frameworks can be ‘graphical or in a narrative form
thinking of the researcher. showing the key variables or constructs to be studied and the presumed
7. Discussing the propositions of each theory and highlight its relationships between them.’
relevance to the research.
8. Considering alternative theories that challenge the perspectives The Importance of Conceptual Framework in Research
of the researcher. The conceptual framework offers many benefits to a research. For
9. Considering the limitations associated with the selected theory instance, it assists the researcher in identifying and constructing
which the problem to be investigated can help address or provide his/her worldview on the phenomenon to be investigated (Grant &
logic explanations. Osanloo, 2014). It is the simplest way through which a researcher
presents his/her asserted remedies to the problem s/he has defined
The Position of a Theoretical Framework in a Thesis/Dissertation (Liehr & Smith, 1999; Akintoye, 2015). It accentuates the reasons why
Research a research topic is worth studying, the assumptions of a researcher, the
scholars s/he agrees with and disagrees with and how s/he conceptually
Many research instructors and postgraduate students usually wonder grounds his/her approach (Evans, 2007). Akintoye (2015) posits that
where a theoretical framework is supposed to be placed in a the conceptual framework is mostly used by researchers when existing
dissertation or thesis research. Many scholars suggest that the theories are not applicable or sufficient in creating a firm structure for
theoretical framework needs to be shown readers right at the onset of the study.
the thesis writing. The student is supposed to select and clarify the How to Construct a Conceptual Framework
Conceptual frameworks are always constructed by researchers (Polit
& Tatano, 2004). Ravich and Carl (2016) aver that conceptual
frameworks are generative frameworks that reflects the thinking of the
entire research process. Mostly, diagrams are created to clearly define
the constructs or variables of the research topic and their relationships
are shown by the use of arrows. Latham (2017) argues that the entire
methodology must agree with the variables, as well as their
relationships and context. Researchers are at liberty to adopt existing
frameworks, but have to modify it to suit the nature of the context of
their research as well as the nature of their research questions (Fisher, Figure 2: Conceptual Framework on Child Literacy Research
2007). Fisher adds that a good conceptual framework must also be Source: Adopted from http:// www. monash. edu.au/lls /hdr/
expressed in writing for it to be understood clearly. This means that design/2.2.1.html (Accessed 11/8/2017)
after a researcher has craftily produced a diagrammatic representation
of the main variables of the study, s/he has to explain the relations
among them and how their complementation helps in answering the
major research problem defined.

Difference between a Conceptual Framework and a Theoretical

Framework

Many students and researchers usually ask whether the theoretical

framework is the same as the conceptual framework. Sometimes,
researchers develop their conceptual frameworks from the theories
that underpin their research. Though these frameworks work hand in
hand, they have characteristics that make them different from each
other. The differences have been outlined in Table 1.

Table 1: The Differences between Theoretical Framework and

Conceptual Framework
Theoretical Framework Conceptual Framework Figure 3: Conceptual Framework on the Research Procedural Steps
It provides a general or It refers to specific or narrower ideas a Source: Adopted from https://www.slideshare.net/jhim1022/review-
broader set of ideas within researcher utilizes in his/her study. of-literature-hypothesis-and-conceptual-framework-65848341
which a study belongs. (Accessed 10/8/2017)
It is based on existing It is based on the concepts which are
theory/theories in the the main variables in a study. Conclusion
literature which has been This paper has thoroughly discussed the importance of theoretical and
tested and validated by conceptual frameworks in a research. It has given enough justifications
other scholars. on why their inclusion in a research is indispensable because they
heighten the quality of a research. Also, it has thoroughly explained the
It is in the form of a model It is a researcher's own constructed
meanings of the two frameworks, their distinctive roles that they play
that pivots a study, with its model that s/he uses to explain the
in the research process, their differences, how they are constructed and
exponents and the results of relationship that exists between the
where they must be presented in a dissertation or thesis research write-
their studies. main variables in his/her study.
up. Researchers and students must tactfully incorporate theoretical
and/or conceptual framework in their research inquires to increase
It can also be an adaptation of a model their robustness in all its aspects.
in an existing theory which a researcher
adapts to suit his/her research purpose.
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