Republic of the Philippines
Commission on Higher Education
REPUBLIC COLLEGES OF GUINOBATAN, INC.
G. Alban St., Iraya, Guinobatan, Albay
GRADUATE SCHOOL
CP NO.: 0968-599-5709
Slide 1: Title Slide
Good morning/afternoon, everyone. My name is Zchenly A. Saclag and today I will be presenting on the topic
of "Theoretical & Conceptual Framework." This presentation was prepared by Clerica T. Realingo and Zchenly
A. Saclag.
Slide 2: What is a Framework?
To begin, let's define what a framework is. A framework is a basic structure or frame of reference that
is designed to support or enclose something. It's often described as a skeleton or the abstract, logical
structure of meaning that guides the development of a study. A framework provides guidance for the
researcher as they refine their study questions, select methods for measuring variables, and plan analyses.
After data is collected and analyzed, the framework is used as a mirror to check if the findings agree with it
or if there are discrepancies.
Slide 3: What is a Theory?
A theory is an explanation of a phenomenon or an abstract generalization that systematically explains
the relationship among given phenomena, for purposes of explaining, predicting and controlling such
phenomena.
Slide 4: Theoretical Framework
A theoretical framework refers to the theory that a researcher chooses to guide their research. It is the
application of a theory or a set of concepts from a single theory, to explain an event or shed light on a
particular research problem. This can include pre-existing generalizations like Set theory, evolution, quantum
mechanics, Newton’s laws of motion, or gas laws.
Slide 5: Diagram of a Theoretical Framework
This diagram illustrates a theoretical framework using Newton's Second Law of Motion. It shows how
the main theory is connected to various concepts like Force, Gravity, Vectors, Weight, Mass, and
Acceleration. All these concepts ultimately relate back to Motion.
Slide 6: Purposes of Theoretical Framework
The purposes of a theoretical framework include testing theories , making research findings
meaningful and generalizable , establishing orderly connections between observations and facts , predicting
and controlling situations , and stimulating research.
Slide 7: How to Select a Theoretical Framework
According to Grant & Osanloo (2014), there is no single perfect or right theory for a dissertation,
though certain theories are popular. The selection requires a thorough understanding of the study's problem,
purpose, significance, and research questions. The chosen framework must accentuate the purpose and
importance of the study. A poor selection is like using a wrong bolt to forcibly fix a wrong nut.
Slide 8: Position of a Theoretical Framework
Many scholars suggest that the theoretical framework should be presented to readers right at the
beginning of the thesis. The student should select and clarify the framework from the time the dissertation
topic is initially conceptualized.
Slide 9: Concepts
Moving on to concepts. A concept is a generalized idea about a class of objects, attributes,
occurrences, or processes that has been given a name. In other words, a concept is an idea expressed as a
symbol or in words. Learning concepts and theory is similar to learning a language.
Slide 10: Conceptual Framework
A conceptual framework is a structure that the researcher believes can best explain the natural
progression of the phenomenon to be studied. It is the researcher’s own explanation of how they would
explore the research problem. Unlike a theoretical framework, which refers to previous theories and models,
the conceptual framework is developed by the new researcher, often underpinned by the theoretical
frameworks they have reviewed.
Slide 11: Purposes of Conceptual Framework
The purposes of a conceptual framework are to clarify concepts and propose relationships among them in a
study , to provide a context for interpreting the study findings, to explain observations, and to encourage
theory development that is useful for practice.
Slide 12: Importance of Conceptual Framework
A conceptual framework helps the researcher identify and construct their own worldview on the
phenomenon they are investigating. It is the simplest way for a researcher to present their proposed
solutions to the problem they have defined. The framework is often used by researchers when existing
theories are not applicable or sufficient to create a firm structure for the study.
Slide 13: Position of a Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework is mostly placed in the chapter where the literature survey is discussed.
This is often in Chapter Two in most dissertations, where the theoretical perspectives of the main variables
are reviewed.
Slide 14: Example of a Conceptual Framework
This diagram is an example of a conceptual framework. It shows the researcher's proposed
relationships between "Persuasive Communication," "Emotional Intelligence," "Gender," and "Institutional
Support" and their effect on "Perceived Learning Capability" and "Student Performance."
Slide 15: Example of a Theoretical Framework
This is an example of a theoretical framework, specifically Bandura's Self-Efficacy Theory. It shows a
pre-existing model of how various factors, such as "Performance Accomplishments" and "Vicarious
Experience," influence "Self-Efficacy Judgments," which in turn impacts "Behavior/Performance."
Slide 16: Relation between Frameworks
The image on this slide illustrates the relationship between a conceptual framework and a theoretical
framework, and how both relate to a set of related concepts and a theory.
Slide 17: Types of Theory
A theory is a set of interrelated constructs (concepts), definitions, and propositions that provide a
systematic view of phenomena. There are four levels of theory development: factor isolating (to describe
phenomena), factor relating (to explain phenomena), situation relating (to predict relationships), and
situation producing (to control phenomena).
Slide 18: Descriptive Theory
[Provide a detailed explanation and example for descriptive theory]. Descriptive Theories, also known as
“Factor isolating theories,” are the primary level of theory development. They identify and describe major
concepts of phenomena but do not explain the relationships between them. An example is a descriptive
research about Filipino nursing practices like the use of herbal medicines.
Slide 19: Explanatory Theory
[Provide a detailed explanation and example for explanatory theory]. Explanatory Theories, or “Factor
relating theories,” present the relationships among concepts and propositions. They aim to provide
information on how or why concepts are related and explain cause-and-effect relationships. An example is a
research study about the factors affecting newborns who fail to thrive.
Slide 20: Predictive Theory
[Provide a detailed explanation and example for predictive theory]. Predictive Theories, or “Situation relating
theories,” are achieved when the relationships of concepts under a certain condition can consistently
describe future outcomes. This type of theory is generated and tested using experimental research. An
example is a theoretical model based on observing the effects of unsanitary environmental conditions on the
recovery of post-operative patients.
Slide 21: Prescriptive Theory
Prescriptive Theories, or “Situation producing theories,” deal with specific actions and test the validity
of a nursing intervention. An example is Laurente’s theory, which validates and explains the different nursing
management techniques for relieving anxiety in the emergency room.
Slide 22: Examples of Theories & Area of Research
This provides examples of theories related to different areas of research. For Blended Learning, some
theories are Learning Theory and Online Collaborative Learning. For Curriculum, relevant theories include
John Dewey’s Theory and Curriculum Theory. In Journalism, theories such as Democracy Theory and
Communication Theory can be applied.
Slide 23: Independent and Dependent Variables
This shows examples of conceptual models. A bivariate model shows one independent variable
determining one dependent variable, for example, income influencing the choice of a local shop. A
multivariate model shows how multiple independent variables influence multiple dependent variables.
Slide 24: Interactive and Indirect Models
An interactive, conditional model shows a main independent variable (income) determining a
dependent variable (choice of shop), but with a "background influence" from a moderator variable (car
ownership). An indirect model shows how an independent variable (income) determines a dependent
variable (choice of shop), but with an intermediary influence from a mediator or intervening variable (car
ownership).
Slide 25: Frameworks and Research Paradigms
This illustrates the typical relationship between theoretical and conceptual frameworks relative to
qualitative and quantitative research paradigms. In deductive research, a dominant theory is normally used
to address a research problem. In inductive research, a researcher brings together various aspects of
different theoretical perspectives to build a generalization to guide the study.
Thank you for your time. I am now open to any questions you may have.