Theoretical Framework - Statistics Solutions
The theoretical framework is typically presented early in a dissertation and serves to explain the rationale for investigating a particular research problem. In essence, consider it as a conceptual model that provides structure and direction for your research. Furthermore, it establishes the background that supports your investigation and justifies why studying the problem is important. It also outlines the variables you intend to measure and the relationships you seek to understand. Essentially, this section enables you to develop and present your theory, thereby providing a clear explanation for the problem at hand. Additionally, it sets the foundation for the investigation and interpretation of your findings. However, it is not solely based on your assumptions—there is more to explore, so continue reading.
The theoretical framework is a summary of your theory regarding a particular problem that is developed through a review of previously tested knowledge of the variables involved. It outlines a clear plan for investigating and interpreting the findings. Moreover, it involves a well-supported rationale and is organized in a way that enables the reader to understand and assess your perspective effectively. The purpose is to demonstrate that the relationships you propose are not based on your personal instincts or guesses, but rather formed from facts obtained from authors of previous research.
The development of the theoretical framework helps clarify your implicit theory, making it more clearly defined. Moreover, it encourages you to consider other possible frameworks, thus reducing biases that may sway your interpretation. As you continue to develop your theoretical framework, you will also consider alternative theories that could challenge your perspective. Additionally, you will evaluate the limitations of your theory and acknowledge that other theoretical frameworks might provide a better understanding of the problem at hand.
The theoretical framework, in essence, shapes how you conceptualize the nature of your research problem, its foundation, and the analysis you will choose to investigate it. As a result, this framework determines how you perceive, make sense of, and interpret your data. Furthermore, providing an explanation of the theoretical framework helps the reader better understand your perspective and the context in which the research is situated.
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The theoretical framework is developed from and connected to your review of the knowledge on the topic (the literature review). This knowledge is likely how you initially formulated your research problem. You reviewed the literature and found gaps in the explanation of some phenomenon. The theoretical framework allows you to present the research problem in light of a summary of the literature.
Your description of the variables of interest in context of the literature review allows the reader to understand the theorized relationships. You should begin by describing what is known about your variables, what is known about their relationship, and what can be explained thus far. You will explore other researchers’ theories regarding these relationships and, in doing so, identify a theory (or combination of theories) that best explains your major research problem. In particular, your goal is to demonstrate to the reader why you believe your variables are related. Furthermore, including previous research and theories that support your perspective is vital in defending your rationale. By applying the theory to your problem, you will then state your hypotheses or predictions about potential relationships. In doing so, you clarify to the reader what you expect to find in your research.
There is a clear link between the theoretical framework and quantitative research design. Specifically, the choice of research design is guided by the goals of the study and a thorough review of the literature. In addition, quantitative research design relies on deductive reasoning, which begins with identifying the theoretical framework that will provide structure and direction for the research project. Consequently, the theoretical framework is presented early in the quantitative research proposal to establish a solid foundation for the study.
The theoretical framework will direct the research methods you choose to employ. The chosen methodology should provide conclusions that are compatible with the theory.
Reducing this seemingly intimidating topic to two factors may help simplify the concept. The theoretical framework involves a discussion of (1) the research problem and (2) the rationale for conducting an investigation of the problem. These two factors form the basis of a theoretical framework section of the research proposal.
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References
Breakwell, G. Hammon, S., Fife-Schaw, C. & Smith, J. A. (Eds.). (2007). Research methods in psychology (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Creswell, J. W. (2005) Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: .Pearson Education, Inc.
Creswell, J. W. (2009) Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Leedy, P. D. & Ormrod, J. E. (2005). Practical research: Planning and design (8th ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall.
Pedhauzer, E. J. & Schmelkin, L.P. (1991). Measurement, design and analysis: An integrated approach. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers.