Hi, I have a question regarding theoretical and conceptual framework.
Firstly, When I read articles, I can't recognise what the author is adopting for the study! Some authors provide various definitions by different authors but don't explicitly show their position! I did a literature review matrix template but I couldn't fill the theoretical/ conceptual framework?
Secondly, as a researcher what is better for my own research? having theoretical framework or conceptual framework and/ Why?
One is not better than the other. It is just the application that differs. Theoretical frameworks are used for Quantitative research. While Conceptual frameworks are used for Qualitative research. However, a theoretical framework used for someone's Quantitative research can also become a conceptual framework used for another person's Qualitative research. For example, Mr. X used TAM as a theoretical framework for his Quantitative research. On the other hand, Mr. Z who is doing Qualitative research uses the same TAM as a conceptual framework.
A theoretical framework is based on established theories as the name suggests. It is from the theoretical framework that you establish how variables relate to one another in the study you have conceptualized; hence the conceptual framework. So a complete research should be guided by both. My thoughts!
What Is a Theoretical Framework?
A theoretical framework comprises the theories expressed by experts in the field into which you plan to research, which you draw upon to provide a theoretical coat hanger for your data analysis and interpretation of results. Put differently, the theoretical framework is a structure that summarizes concepts and theories, which you develop from previously tested and published knowledge which you synthesize to help you have a theoretical background, or basis
for your data analysis and interpretation of the meaning contained in your research data. explicitly asserts, “The theoretical framework is the structure that can hold or support a theory of a research study”.
The theoretical framework for your research proposal or thesis is not a summary of your own thoughts about your research. Rather, it is a synthesis of the thoughts of giants in your field of research, as they relate to your proposed research or thesis, as you understand those theories, and how you will use those theories to understand your data. In essence, the theoretical framework comprises what leaders in your field of research say about your research question, about the problem you plan to investigate, and might even include suggestions of how to solve that problem,including how to interpret the findings in your data. What those leaders say, helps you to develop an informed, and specialized lens, through which you examine your data, conduct the data analysis, interpret the findings, discuss them, and even make recommendations, and conclusions.
If you are doing qualitative research, I would recommend that you use a conceptual framework. On the other hand, if you are doing quantitative research, I would recommend that you use a theoretical framework. I hope it is clear.
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