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Understanding Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks in Research

By Karen Johnson, Ed.D.

Introduction

Planning a research study or writing a proposal for your dissertation?  Where should you begin?

An early foundational step is determining a clear and concise framework to guide the study. Conceptual and theoretical frameworks come into play here. They provide structure and ensure that your research is grounded in established knowledge. Let’s look at what these frameworks are, their importance, and how to use them effectively.

What Are Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks?

A conceptual framework

Is essentially a system of concepts, assumptions, expectations, beliefs, and theories that supports and informs your research. 

A conceptual framework

A conceptual framework is essentially a system of concepts, assumptions, expectations, beliefs, and theories that supports and informs your research. Think of it as a map that helps you navigate your study, outlining the key constructs and their relationships. It helps you understand what you are investigating and why. Conceptual frameworks are typically found in qualitative research.

 

A theoretical framework

Is a structure that can hold or support a theory of a research study.

A theoretical framework

A theoretical framework is a structure that can hold or support a theory of a research study. It introduces and describes the theory that explains why the research problem under study exists. While a conceptual framework is broader and can include multiple theories and concepts, a theoretical framework is usually focused on a specific theory. Theoretical frameworks are typically found in quantitative research.

The Importance of Frameworks in Research

Using conceptual and theoretical frameworks offers several benefits. Initially, they help clarify your research questions and hypotheses. By having a clear framework, you can better define what you are looking to explore and predict potential outcomes.

Secondly, frameworks provide a context for interpreting results. They ensure that your analysis and findings are grounded in established knowledge, making your research more credible and reliable.

Lastly, frameworks ensure consistency in the research process. They guide data collection and analysis, helping you stay focused and organized. Moreover, they help communicate your findings in a structured way, making it easier for others to understand and build upon your work.

Examples of Concepts and Theories

To understand these frameworks better, let’s look at some examples.

Concepts are abstract ideas or general notions. Examples include motivation, intelligence, stress, and resilience. These are the building blocks of theories and are crucial in forming a conceptual framework.

Theories, on the other hand, are systematic explanations of underlying phenomena or behavior. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a theory that describes how human needs are prioritized, starting from basic physiological needs to self-actualization. Another example is Bandura's Social Learning Theory, which explains how people learn from observing others. Find theories that relate to your topic by searching for theories related to the keywords in your research questions.

How to Use Frameworks in Your Research

Here are some steps to effectively use these frameworks in your research:

1.     Identify Your Key Concepts: Start by identifying the main concepts related to your research question. For example, if you're studying employee motivation, key concepts might include job satisfaction, work environment, and reward systems.

2.     Choose a Relevant Theory: Select a theory that aligns with your research. This helps formulate hypotheses and guides data collection and analysis. For instance, in studying organizational behavior, Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory could be relevant.

3.     Develop Your Framework: Outline how your concepts interrelate. Create a visual representation, like a diagram, to map out these relationships. This helps in understanding the direction and scope of your study. Using a visual representation can also show where the concepts overlap to further provide rigor in the study.

4.     Apply and Refine: Use your framework to guide your research process. Be prepared to refine it as you gather data and gain insights. It's a dynamic tool may evolve with your study.

Conclusion

In summary, conceptual and theoretical frameworks are essential tools in research. They provide structure, guide your study, and help you make sense of your findings. By understanding and utilizing these frameworks, you’ll be well-equipped to conduct thorough and impactful research. Whether you’re a novice researcher or an experienced academic, these frameworks are invaluable in ensuring the success and credibility of your study.

Note: This blog is based in part on the webinar Clear Windows or Clouded Lenses? Viewing Data Through Ethical Frames/Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks, offered by the CEITR center on  May 14, 2024.

Additional Resources

Access the conceptual and Theoretical framework resources including the video the recorded Webinars by joining the Research Methodology Group (RMG) at Teams.

Karen Johnson, Ed.D.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Karen Johnson, Ed.D., is a research methodology group leader in the University’s Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR). A faculty member at the University of Phoenix since 2005, she currently serves as a University Research Methodologist for CDS. She is also a reviewer for CEITR’s dissertation to publication workshop and a second-tier reviewer for the international journal, The Qualitative Report. Johnson earned a doctorate in Higher Education from Texas Tech University and completed her Master of Arts and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Texas.