conceptualandtheoreticalframework-ikbalahmed-200409033408 (2).pptx

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1. Theoretical & Conceptual Framework

2. Purpose of Theoretical and Conceptual Framework In general, both ‘conceptual’ and ‘theoretical’ frameworks refer to the epistemological paradigm a researcher adopts in looking at a given research problem – as Liehr and Smith (1999: 12) point out, “each of these terms refers to a structure” which guides the researcher. In the same regard, Evans (2007: 8) opines that both “theoretical and conceptual frames” help the reader understand the reasons why a given researcher decides to study a particular topic, the assumptions s/he makes, how s/he conceptually grounds his/her approach, the scholars s/he is in dialogue with, who s/he agrees and disagrees with.

3. Research Framework First , it is important to understand what a ‘framework’ is, within the context of research. Liehr and Smith (1999: 13) see a framework for research as a structure that provides “guidance for the researcher as study questions are fine-tuned, methods for measuring variables are selected and analysis are planned”. Once data are collected and analyzed, the framework is used as a mirror to check whether the findings agree with the framework or whether there are some discrepancies; where discrepancies exist, a question is asked as to whether or not the framework can be used to explain them.

4. Theoretical Framework The theoretical framework is the structure that can hold or support a theory of a research study. The theoretical framework encompasses not just the theory, but the narrative explanation about how the researcher engages in using the theory and its underlying assumptions to investigate the research problem

5. How to develop a Theoretical Framework Here are some strategies to develop of an effective theoretical framework: Examine your thesis title and research problem . The research problem anchors your entire study and forms the basis from which you construct your theoretical framework . Brainstorm on what you consider to be the key variables in your research . Answer the question, what factors contribute to the presumed effect ? Review related literature  to find answers to your research question . List  the constructs and variables  that might be relevant to your study. Group these variables into independent and dependent categories . Review the key social science theories  that are introduced to you in your course readings and choose the theory or theories that can best explain the relationships between the key variables in your study. Discuss the assumptions or propositions  of this theory and point out their relevance to your research .

6. The theoretical framework offers several benefits to a research work . It provides the structure in showing how a researcher defines his/her study philosophically , epistemologically , methodology and analytically. The theoretical framework guides and should resonate with every aspect of the research process from the definition of the problem, literature survey, methodology, presentation and discussion of the findings as well as the conclusions that are drawn. I t guides a researcher’s choice of research design and data analysis plan. The theoretical framework also guides the kind of data to be accrued for a particular study (Lester, 2005). The theoretical framework, thus, aids the researcher in finding an appropriate research approach, analytical tools and procedures for his/her research inquiry. It makes research findings more meaningful and generalizable. The importance of Theoretical Framework

7. How to select a suitable Theoretical Framework There is no one perfect or right theory for a dissertation, though certain theories are popular (Grant & Osanloo , 2014). The selection of a theoretical framework requires a thorough understanding of the problem, purpose, significance and research questions of a study. This is important because when the selection is poorly done, it would be as if the researcher is using a wrong bolt to forcibly fix a wrong nut. The chosen theoretical framework must accentuate the purpose and importance of the study dissertation (Grant & Osanloo , 2014). To make an appropriate selection of a theoretical context , the researcher must consider the guiding principles of the study and situate the problem in relation to it. The research questions of the study and the purpose of the study must entail noticeable aspects of the theoretical framework and must agree with the assertions promulgated by the theorists of the selected theory (Maxwell, 2004; LoBiondo-Wood , 2010 ).

8. The Position of a Theoretical Framework in a Thesis/Dissertation Research Many research instructors and postgraduate students usually wonder where a theoretical framework is supposed to be placed in a dissertation or thesis research. Many scholars suggest that the theoretical framework needs to be shown readers right at the onset of the thesis writing. The student is supposed to select and clarify the theoretical framework from the time the dissertation topic is initially conceptualized ( Dooyeweerd as cited in Sir e, 2004). Staunch researchers profess that the researcher’s choice of a theory must be stated explicitly early in the writing of a dissertation (Grant & Osanloo , 2014 ).

9. CONCEPTS Concepts in research refer to the tools of language used to understand and grasp empirical phenomena theoretically [1]. They are bodies of knowledge that allow us to categorize and make sense of the world, enabling us to recall and use information in various situations

10. Conceptual Framework A conceptual framework is a structure which the researcher believes can best explain the natural progression of the phenomenon to be studied. It is the researcher’s explanation of how the research problem would be explored. Theoretical framework refers to previous theories, frameworks, models that you were reviewing during literature review.  Normally, a researcher will develop his or her conceptual framework underpinned on some theoretical frameworks that s/he has reviewed.  Usually, without theoretical frameworks to support your conceptual framework, you might expose to questioning during article review / thesis viva examination.  Conceptual framework is the one to be developed by the new researcher and theoretical framework is something which already been developed by other researchers

11. The Importance of Conceptual Framework The conceptual framework offers many benefits to a research- I t assists the researcher in identifying and constructing his/her worldview on the phenomenon to be investigated. It is the simplest way through which a researcher presents his/her asserted remedies to the problem s/he has defined. It accentuates the reasons why a research topic is worth studying, the assumptions of a researcher, the scholars s/he agrees with and disagrees with and how s/he conceptually grounds his/her approach. T he conceptual framework is mostly used by researchers when existing theories are not applicable or sufficient in creating a firm structure for the study.

12. The Position of a Conceptual Framework in a Research The conceptual framework is mostly placed in the chapter where the literature survey was discussed. It is in this chapter that the theoretical perspectives of the main variables or constructs are rigorously reviewed . In most dissertation or thesis papers, the literature survey is discussed in chapter two.

13. Example of TF & CF

14. Example of TF & CF

15. Relation between Conceptual & Theoretical Framework While a theoretical framework describes the theoretical underpinnings of your work based on existing research, a conceptual framework allows you to draw your own conclusions, mapping out the variables you may use in your study and the interplay between them.

16. Thank You!