Generally, a lot of literature uses these two terms interchangeably - suggesting that they are conceptually equivalent, some researcher argues that these are two different constructs? what actually differentiate these two terminologies?
Though the terms might have been used interchangeably, in fact, they refer to different things. Theoretical framework in a study is based on an existing theory or theories (e.g., a theory of motivation). The conceptual framework, on the other hand, is something you can develop yourself based on this theory.
theoretical and conceptual framework are often used interchangeably though they are different. Conceptual framework is used in new area of research while theoretical is based on theories developed over an area that has long history
Thank you Asst.Prof. Dr.Essam Tahir Muhammed Al-Kassab and Ehsan Namaziandost for your responses. Do you think conceptual /theoretical framework is necessary for all study?
Personally, I think that it is not essential to have both theoretical and conceptual framework simultaneously in the same study because Conceptual framework originates from the theoretical frameworks.