1.What is a framework?

A framework is the basic structure of something. It’s a set of ideas or facts that provide
support for something. In the case of business problems, a framework creates the basic
structure that gives focus and support to the problem you’re trying to solve.

1.1.What is a theoretical framework?

A theoretical framework (also sometimes referred to as a foundation of theory) is

essentially a set of concepts, definitions, and propositions that together form a structured,
comprehensive view of a specific phenomenon.

In other words, a theoretical framework is a collection of existing theories, models and

frameworks that provides a foundation of core knowledge – a “lay of the land”, so to
speak, from which you can build a research study. For this reason, it’s usually presented
fairly early within the literature review section of a dissertation, thesis or research paper.

Example of a theoretical framework:If your research aims involve understanding what

factors contributed toward people trusting investment brokers, you’d need to first lay
down some theory so that it’s crystal clear what exactly you mean by this.

1.2.What is a conceptual framework?

A conceptual framework is typically a visual representation (although it can also be

written out) of the expected relationships and connections between various concepts,
constructs or variables.

In other words, a conceptual framework visualises how the researcher views and
organises the various concepts and variables within their study. This is typically based on
aspects drawn from the theoretical framework, so there is a relationship between the two.

Quite commonly, conceptual frameworks are used to visualise the potential causal
relationships and pathways that the researcher expects to find, based on their
understanding of both the theoretical literature and the existing empirical research.
Therefore, the conceptual framework is often used to develop research questions and
hypotheses.

example of a conceptual framework:As you can see, conceptual frameworks often make
use of different shapes, lines and arrows to visualise the connections and relationships
between different components and/or variables. Ultimately, the conceptual framework
provides an opportunity for you to make explicit your understanding of how everything is
connected. So, be sure to make use of all the visual aids you can – clean design, well-
considered colours and concise text are your friends.
2.The structure of theoretical framework and conceptual framework

The theoretical framework is part of your research that explains the main ideas or theories
that support your study. It usually comes from the literature review, where you read and
analyze other people’s research. While doing the review, you find gaps—things that are
missing or not fully explained. The theories you choose will help you explain or answer
these gaps in your own research.

There is no one “correct” way to structure your theoretical framework, but it should be
clear, logical, and connected to your research questions or objectives. You can write the
theoretical framework inside the literature review chapter or as a separate chapter,
depending on howmany theories you are using or how detailed they are.

2.1.Basic Structure of a Theoretical Framework:

a) Introduction to the framework - briefly explain the purpose of the theoretical

framework and how it fits your study.

b) Discussion of relevant theories - describe each theory you are using , Mention the
authors of the theory and when it was developed.

c) Connection to your research - explain how the theory relates to your topic, Show how
the theory helps explain your problem or supports your objectives.

d) Conclusion or summary - sum up how the theories support your research.

The conceptual framework is like a map or plan of how you think the different parts of
your research are connected. It is based on the theories (from the theoretical framework),
your own ideas, and what you found in the literature review. It shows the key concepts in
your study and how they relate to each other.

Think of it as a visual or written model that guides your study. It is very helpful in
explaining what you will focus on, what variables are important, and how they interact.

2.2.Basic Structure of a Conceptual Framework:

a) Introduction to the framework - explain what your conceptual framework is about and
why it is important.

b) Identification of key concepts or variables - list and explain the main ideas, factors, or
variables in your study.

c) Relationships between concepts - show how the concepts are related. This can be done
using a diagram or explained in writing.
d) Conceptual framework diagram (optional but useful) - a simple drawing that shows
the connection between variables.

e) Explanation of the diagram (if used)

3.The characteristics of theoretical and conceptual framework

Theoretical and conceptual frameworks serve distinct but related purposes in research. A
theoretical framework provides a broad, established lens to understand a phenomenon,
drawing upon existing theories. A conceptual framework, on the other hand, offers a
more specific and sometimes unique map of the research, outlining concepts, variables,
and their relationships within the study.

3.1.Theoretical Framework Characteristics:

Scope: Broad, drawing from existing theories and established knowledge.

Function: Provides a general explanation of the phenomenon under investigation, guiding

the overall research approach and shaping the research question.

Use: Often used when working within a well-defined research area where established
theories can be applied.

3.2.Conceptual Framework Characteristics:

Scope: More focused and specific to the research question, outlining the key variables
and their relationships.

Function: Guides the research process, including data collection and interpretation, by
mapping out the variables and their expected relationships.

Use: Can be used when exploring a new research area or when proposing novel
relationships between variables.

4.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. Knowing these similarities, let's look at their differences.

5.Differences between conceptual and theoretical

Though interconnected, theoretical and conceptual frameworks have distinct roles in

research and contribute differently to the research. This section will contrast the two in
terms of scope, purpose, their role in the research process, and their relationship to
the data analysis strategy and research question.

The theoretical framework describes the broader lens through which the researcher views
the topic and guides their overall understanding and approach. It connects the theoretical
perspective to the data collection and data analysis strategy and offers a structure
for organizing and interpreting the collected data.

On the other hand, the conceptual framework describes in detail and connects specific
concepts and variables to illustrate potential relationships between them. It serves as a
guide for assessing which aspects of the data are relevant and specifying how the research
question is being answered. While the theoretical framework outlines how more abstract-
level theories shape the study, the conceptual framework operationalizes the empirical
observations that can be connected to theory and broader understanding.

Understanding these differences is important when designing and conducting your

research study. In this chapter, we will look deeper at the distinctions between these types
of frameworks, and how they interplay in qualitative research. We aim to provide you
with a solid understanding of both, allowing you to effectively utilize them in your own
reach.

6.The importance of theoretical framework and conceptual framework

Theoretical and conceptual frameworks are crucial for research because they provide a
structure and rationale for your study, guiding your research questions, methodology, and
interpretation of findings. They help connect your research to existing knowledge, ensure
consistency in your approach, and facilitate the communication and understanding of
your work.

Why are they important?

Clarity and Focus: they help define the scope and purpose of your research, ensuring that
your study is well-focused and purposeful.
Methodological Guidance: they guide your choice of research methods, ensuring that
your data collection and analysis align with your research question and framework.

Interpretation and Discussion: they provide a framework for interpreting your findings
and discussing their implications within the context of existing knowledge.

Knowledge Advancement: by connecting your research to existing theories and

frameworks, you contribute to the ongoing development of knowledge in your field.

Communication and Collaboration: they make it easier to communicate your research

findings to others and facilitate collaboration with other researchers.

In essence, both theoretical and conceptual frameworks act as a roadmap for your
research, ensuring that your study is well-structured, focused, and meaningful.

7.The advantages and disadvantages of theoretical and conceptual framework

Advantages of Theoretical Frameworks:

a) Clear Research Direction -they provide a structured approach, guiding researchers

through the research process and ensuring coherence in data collection and analysis.

b) Hypothesis Development - they help researchers formulate clear, testable hypotheses

based on existing knowledge.

c) Enhanced Credibility - using established theories adds credibility to the research by

linking it to existing knowledge.

d) Contextualization of Findings - they help researchers understand the study within a

broader theoretical context.

e) Generalizability - they can help researchers generalize their findings to other situations
and contexts.

Disadvantages of Theoretical Frameworks:

a) Rigidity - they can be overly structured, limiting the flexibility to explore new or
unexpected findings.

b) Simplified Relationships - they may oversimplify complex relationships between

variables, potentially overlooking nuances.

c) Potential for Bias - they can introduce researcher bias by focusing on specific theories
and ignoring others.
d) Time-Consuming Development - building a strong theoretical framework requires a
deep understanding of the existing literature and theories.

Advantages of Conceptual Frameworks:

a) Flexibility - they allow for incorporating new or emergent ideas and findings.

b) Clarity of Concepts - they help define key concepts and their relationships within the
study.

c) Visual Representation - they can be presented visually, making it easier to understand

complex relationships.

d) Emergent Ideas - They can incorporate researcher's own ideas, even if not yet formally
established as theories.

e) Practicality - They can be tailored to the specific research question, making them
practical for a wide range of studies.

Disadvantages of Conceptual Frameworks:

a) Lack of Rigor - they may not be grounded in established theories, potentially leading
to weaker conclusions.

b) Subjectivity - they can be more subjective, reflecting the researcher's own

interpretations and perspectives.

c) Potential for Overgeneralization - they may not be suitable for generalizing findings to
other contexts.

d) Incomplete Understanding - they may not provide a complete understanding of the

research problem, potentially missing important aspects.

8.Theorical and conceptual framework and his applications in research

For theoretical frameworks help researchers:

a) Define the research problem - by grounding the study in existing theories, they help
clarify the scope and focus of the research.

b) Develop research questions and hypotheses - theories can inform the questions that
need to be investigated and the expected relationships between variables.

c) Select research methods - the chosen theory can influence the type of data collection
and analysis techniques used.
d) Interpret and discuss findings - The theoretical framework provides a lens through
which to understand the meaning and implications of the results.

For Conceptual frameworks help researchers:

a) Organize and map concepts - They provide a visual representation of the key ideas and
their relationships in the study.

b) Guide data collection and analysis - They help researchers identify relevant variables
and the expected relationships between them.

c) Develop new theories or refine existing ones - by exploring novel relationships

between concepts, conceptual frameworks can contribute to the development of new
knowledge.