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Theoretical AND Conceptual Framework AND Variables OF

THE Study
education (University of Southern Mindanao)

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Subject: EDUC 500-Methods of Educational Research

NARRATIVE REPORT ON THE THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL

FRAMEWORK AND VARIABLES OF THE STUDY
FEBRUARY 25, 2022
I- Introduction
The theoretical and conceptual framework explains the path of a research and
grounds it firmly in theoretical constructs. The overall aim of the two frameworks is to
make research findings more meaningful, acceptable to the theoretical constructs in
the research field and ensures generalizability.
We conduct research because there is a problem. Research organized
scientific investigation to solve problems, test hypothesis, or develop or invent new
products. The systematic application or use of a set of methods to provide
trustworthy information about problems and investigation to increase knowledge and
understanding. As soon as you have chosen a topic for your thesis or dissertations,
you should look for the theory linking your topic with an available body of knowledge.
Theory as defined by Kerlinger (1973) is “a set of interrelated constructs (concepts),
definitions and propositions that presents a systematic view of phenomena by
specifying relations among variables, with the purpose of explaining and predicting
the phenomena.

Theories are constructed in order to explain, predict and master phenomena.

Concept is an intellectual representation of some aspect of reality that is derived
from observations made from phenomena. For instance concept, anxiety or stress or
pain. Construct, concepts at very high levels of abstraction that have general
meanings. Example a construct associated with the concept of anxiety. Framework
described as the abstract, logical structure of meaning that guide the development of
the study.

II- What is Theoretical and Conceptual Framework?

The definitions of theoretical framework are confounded by the fact that some
authors do not differentiate between theoretical and conceptual frameworks. Maxwell
(2013), Robson and McCartan (2016), and Merriam and Tisdell( 2016) consider the
terms synonymous. Anfara and Mertz (2015) do not explicitly relate conceptual and
theoretical frameworks, but they imply a synonymous relationship between them.
Merriam and Tisdell (2016) defined theoretical framework as “the underlying
structure, the scaffolding or frame of your study”. Miles et al. (2014) , an
explanation , either graphically or in narrative form of the main things to be studied;
the key factors, variables, or constructs and the presumed relationships among
them. Ravitch and Riggan (2017), conceptual framework is an argument why the
topic one wishes to study matters and why the means proposed to study it are
appropriate and rigorous.

In other words Theoretical Framework is analogous to the frame of the

house. Just as the foundation supports a house, a theoretical framework provides a
rationale for predictions about the relationships among variables of a research

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study while a a conceptual framework is a written or visual representation of an

expected relationship between variables.

III- Similarities between Theoretical Framework and Conceptual Framework.

Both theoretical framework and conceptual framework have these in common:

 They point to the reliability of the study from the previous research findings
and theories.
 Both explain the future course of the research study justifying the reliability of
the study.
 Both are used to understand a research problem and guide the development,
collection and analysis of the research.
 They both show the relationship between ideas and theories and how they
relate to the study.

IV- Differences Between Theoretical Framework and Conceptual Framework

To further understand the theoretical and conceptual framework, below is the

table of comparison of the differences between theoretical and conceptual
framework.

Theoretical Framework Conceptual Framework

 Theoretical framework is  Conceptual framework on the other

based on the use of an hand, is the literal meaning of the
existing theory or theories (for concept of the study using dictionary
example, The Theory of meaning and empirical findings from
Motivation) other literatures.

 Theoretical framework looks  Conceptual framework looks at the

into the current research current research problem through the
problem using the lens of lens of existing knowledge on the topic,
past relevant theories from and what the researcher want us to
existing literatures. know about that topic.

 It is based on the research  It is developed from the basis of

paradigm. acceptable and logical findings.

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 Theoretical framework is  Conceptual frameworks are commonly

often used in quantitative seen in qualitative research works.
researches.

 Here, you have a general set  Here you have the specific concept the
of ideas and theories researcher uses in the study.

 Theoretical framework  Conceptual framework focuses on the

focuses on the historical fundamental concepts characterizing
background and the structure the study variable to give an informed
to filling the gap in understanding of the study.
knowledge.

V- Purpose of Theoretical Framework and Conceptual Framework

To construct an informative theoretical and conceptual framework, the
researcher must understand its purpose.

Theoretical Framework Conceptual Framework

• It helps the researcher see • To clarify concepts and

clearly the variables of the study; propose relationships among
the concepts in a study.
• It can provide him with a general
framework for data analysis; • To provide a context for
interpreting the study findings.
• It is essential in preparing a
research proposal using • To explain observations
descriptive and experimental
methods. • To encourage theory
development that is useful to
practice

VI- Types of Variables

Each person/thing we collect data on is called an observation (in our
research work, these are usually people/subjects). Observation (participants)
possess a variety of characteristics. If a characteristic of an observation
(participant) is the same for every member of the group i.e. it does not vary, it

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is called a constant. If a characteristic of an observation (participant) differs for

group members it is called a variable.

A variable is a concept or abstract idea that can be described in

measurable terms. In research, this term refers to the measurable
characteristics, qualities, traits, or attributes of a particular individual, object,
or situation being studied. Anything that can vary can be considered a
variable. For instance, age can be considered a variable because age can
take different values for different people or for the same person at different
times. Similarly, Income can be considered a variable because a person's
Income can be assigned a value. Variables are properties or characteristics of
some event, object, or person that can take on different values or amounts. In
short variable is not only something that we measure, but also something that
we can manipulate and something we can control for.
Here are some common variables that we usually use in our research
or thesis;

1. Independent variables are variables which are manipulated or controlled or

changed. It is what the researcher studies to see its relationship or effects.
Presumed or possible cause

2. Dependent variables are the outcome variables and are the variables for
which we calculate statistics. The variable which changes on account of
independent variable is known as dependent variable. i.e.It is influenced or
affected by the independent variable
Presumed results(Effect)

3. Moderator Variable is a special type of independent variable. The

independent variable’s relationship with the dependent variable may change
under different conditions. That condition is the moderator variable. That
factor which is measured, manipulated, or selected by the experimenter
to discover whether it modifies the relationship of the independent variable to
an observed phenomenon.

VII- Presentation of an example of a Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

and Variables of the Study

For better understanding on my report I have here an example of a research

study. As I mentioned a while ago that theoretical framework is the frame of the
house Theories is based on the title of the studies. For example, research about the
“Study Habit Adjustments and The Well-Being of First Section Student among
Junior High School Amidst Pandemic.” The theoretical framework of this study
was anchored in the theory of Productivity by Herbert J. Walberg. According to him
the educational process goals are interpreted to include student perceptions of the
social environment, creativity, self-concept, participation in extra-curricular activities,
and interest in subject matter (Walberg, 1978). For the dependent variable the theory
is anchored in the theory of Well-being by Martin Seligman. People want to cultivate
the best version of themselves and live a meaningful life. They want to grow their
capacities for love and compassion, creativity and curiosity, work and resilience, and
integrity and wisdom (Seligman, 2020).

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Based on the example mentioned the Independent Variable of the study was
anchored on the theory of productivity by Herbert J. Walberg, while the dependent
variable the theory was anchored in the theory of Well-being by Martin Seligman.
Both Herbert J. Walberg and Martin Seligman are the proponent of the study.
Conceptual framework it is the blue print of the house or also known as the visual
representation of the study. As shown in Figure 1 of a conceptual framework

Figure 1: Paradigm of the Study

Figure 1 shows the conceptual framework used in this study. Study habits is
the independent variable developed by Queens University Kinston Canada (2019).
To determine the study habits adjustments, indicators used are health habits, time
management, attitude, academic stress, and goal setting. The students ‘well-being is
the dependent variable of this study and was developed by William et. al, (2017) To
determine the well-being, indicators used are stressor, social support, positive
personality, positive and negative coping and conscientiousness.

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