The general framework that forms a research project is frequently referred to as the “conceptual framework” or the “theoretical framework.” However, there are minor differences between the two. This article aims to explain these differences.
Both undergraduate and graduate students struggle with distinguishing the theoretical from the conceptual framework. To carry out a comprehensive study, this calls for a good understanding of both frameworks.
The conceptual framework and theoretical framework of a thesis are required components of thesis writing that act as the students’ road map as they begin their first research project. Nevertheless, many graduating college students and even graduate students find it challenging to develop these frameworks. The theoretical framework of the study and the conceptual framework are frequently confused.
Conceptual Framework
A conceptual framework serves as a road map for your research, assisting in project visualization and implementation. It outlines the relevant variables for your study and shows possible relationships between them. conceptual frameworks are typically created using concepts rather than theories.
Conceptual frameworks work inductively and assist researchers in drawing general conclusions from the specifics of individuals’ perceptions and experiences.
What Is a Conceptual Framework? | Examples
The uses of conceptual frameworks vary depending on the sort of study.
Quantitative studies: A conceptual framework can be used in quantitative studies to choose survey questions or data sets or to construct an explanation or prediction of hypothesis.
Qualitative studies: A conceptual framework can be used in qualitative research to offer a working hypothesis, a collection of research questions, or to define or investigate topics in descriptive research. Conceptual frameworks are created by qualitative researchers using relevant concepts from the most important research on the topic. These concepts provide direction for the study, particularly for the interview questions, without offering any theoretical underpinnings that would conflict with inductive approaches.
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Theoretical Framework
An explanation of the theory or theories that underpin the research problem is provided in a theoretical framework. Hence, theoretical frameworks provide support for research by defining and/or referencing relevant theoretical aspects established through previous study.
What Is a Theoretical Framework? Examples
It is presented in the shape of a model that supports research study.
The theoretical framework is the use of a theory or set of theories to aid in the explanation of the specific issue being researched. Theoretical frameworks function deductively in this way, assisting researchers in drawing particular conclusions from general theories or premises.
Quantitative research is frequently used to testing theories and establish whether a general theory holds true for a specific issue or population. In this sense, quantitative studies frequently advance upon or modify existing understandings of theories.
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Quantitative research is frequently used to testing theories and establish whether a general theory holds true for a specific issue or population. In this sense, quantitative studies frequently advance upon or modify existing understandings of theories.
There may be one or two theoretical frameworks in master’s research.
Three or more theoretical frameworks may be used for a PhD, which calls for original research that significantly advances knowledge.
Difference between Conceptual Framework and Theoretical Framework
| Theoretical Framework | Conceptual Framework |
| It is based on theory. | It is based on concepts. |
| A theoretical framework can be established with just one theory. | In a conceptual framework, various concepts are included. Moreover, a theoretical framework might be a part of a conceptual framework. |
| It is built upon an existing theory or theories. | It is more concerned with the approach a researcher uses to address a research question. |
| A theoretical framework based on one or more theories emerges from findings from multiple studies. | Conceptual frameworks identify variables that affect a specific field. |
| Theoretical frameworks work deductively, | Conceptual frameworks work inductively. |
| Used in quantitative studies. | Used in qualitative studies. |
| It gives a broad representation of the relationships between variables in a phenomenon. | It includes the specific direction that the research will need to take. |
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Developing a Theoretical Framework
To find main topics and the underlying research concern, read and review the literature.
Make a list of all the variables and constructs, then think about how each variable relates to a theory.
Developing a Conceptual Framework
You develop a conceptual framework before you begin your research. It may represent expected relationships among variables in written or diagrammatic form. Also, you can incorporate or modify existing frameworks.
Benefits of a Theoretical Framework
- To test theories
- To make research findings meaningful and generalizable.
- To predict and control situations.
- To stimulate research.
- To build connections between fats and observations.
- It guides the kind of data to be collected.
- It deepens the essence of study.
- It provides the structure to define how a researcher defines study philosophically, methodology, epistemologically and analytically.
Benefits of a Conceptual Framework
- It helps to stimulate research and extend knowledge by giving direction.
- It builds a model that demonstrates how a research investigation is conducted logically.
How can researchers develop their conceptual and theoretical framework?
Researchers must read the relevant literature in order to develop their own set of theoretical and conceptual frameworks that will direct the conduct of the research.
Researchers must read widely to learn about the prior research in their subjects and to create their own synthesis of the literature. They should search for knowledge gaps and determine which issues require clarification or which require solutions.
They will be able to create their own conceptual framework as a result, which will act as a roadmap for their research project.
