Theoretical and
conceptual framework
formulation
Jeanette S. Rodriguez
Presenter
Dr. Charlie P. Nacario
Professor
Theory
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Theories are constructed in order to explain,
predict and understand phenomena .
In many instances we are constructing models of
reality.
A theory makes generalizations about
observations and consists of an interrelated,
coherent set of ideas and models.
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The theoretical framework of the study is
a structure that can hold or support a
theory of a research work. It presents the
theory which explains why the problem
under study exists.
Thus,the theoretical framework is but a
theory that serves as a basis for
conducting research.
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Theoretical Framework
•The theoretical framework plays an important role in
guiding the entire process of the research study.
•It provides a context for examining a problem.
•Serve as a guide to systematically identify logical,
precisely defined relationship among variables.
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Why use theoretical framework?
Supports research problem statement, purpose,
research objectives/questions/hypotheses, and
significance.
Provide anchor for literature review.
Limits scope of data relevant to research problem.
Provide framework to understand, design, analyze and
interpret data.
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Formulating theoretical framework?
Purpose:
• It helps the researcher see clearly the variables of
the study;
• Provide researcher with a general framework for
data analysis;
• It is essential in preparing a research proposal
using descriptive and experimental methods.
How should the theoretical framework formulated? 8
Why use theoretical framework?
1. specifies the theory used as basis for the study
2. mentions the proponents of the theory
3. cites the main points emphasized in the theory
4. Supports his exposition of the theory by ideas from
other experts;
5. illustrates his theoretical framework by means of
a diagram; and,
6. reiterates his theoretical proposition in the study.
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Critiquing the theoretical framework
1. Is the theoretical framework clearly identified?
2. Is the theoretical framework consistent with what is
being studied?
3. Are the concepts clearly and operationally defined? Do
they reflect the area of investigation?
4. Was sufficient literature reviewed to support the
proposed relationships?
5. Is the theoretical basis for hypothesis formulation clearly
articulated? Is it logical?
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Critiquing the theoretical framework
1. Are the relationships among propositions clearly
defined?
2. Does the instrument used to measure the
variables, consistent with the theoretical
framework?
3. Does the instrument used to measure the
variables, consistent with the theoretical
framework?
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Concept
After formulating the theoretical framework, the
researcher has to develop the conceptual framework
of the study.
A concept is an image or symbolic representation of
an abstract idea. Chinn and Kramer (1999) define a
concept as a “complex mental formulation of
experience”.
While the theoretical framework is the theory on
which the study is based, the conceptual framework
is the operationalization of the theory.
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Conceptual framework
• It is the researcher’s own position on the problem
and gives direction to the study.
• It may be an adaptation of a model used in a
previous study, with modifications to suit the
inquiry.
• Aside from showing the direction of the study,
through the conceptual framework, the researcher
can be able to show the relationships of the
different constructs that he wants to investigate.
How should the conceptual framework formulated?
1. cite your conceptual framework or paradigm;
2. Identify your variables;
3. Point out the dependent and intervening
variables;
4. Show the direction of the study.
Once the conceptual framework has been
determined, the next for the researcher is to
determine what research methods to employ to
best answer the research problem through the
proposed framework.
Research design depends on the nature of the data to
analyzed.
Quantitative data – when your thesis problem
requires numerical measurements of traits, trends,
characteristics or attributes of the subject matter;
Analysis leads researcher to:
• depict what is typical and atypical among the data;
•show the degree of difference or relationship
between two or more variables;
• determine the likelihood that the findings are real
for the population as opposed to having occurred only
by chance in the sample.
Qualitative data – when your thesis problem focuses
on the meanings, perceptions, symbols or
description of the subject matter.
Analysis leads researcher to:
•observe behaviors, situations, interactions and
environments;
•scrutinize these observations for patterns and
categories;
•answer research questions based on what can be
deduced from the findings.
Thank you!
A theory makes generalizations about observations
and consists of an interrelated, coherent set of ideas
and models.
