Working from such an inductive approach, qualitative researchers then do not need overarching theories because the use of theories in this way would not allow for patterns and meaning to emerge inductively from the data. Therefore, qualitative researchers build conceptual frameworks from relevant concepts taken from key research on the topic. These concepts help guide the study, especially the interview questions, without providing theoretical premises that work against inductive approaches. Including a conceptual framework in a research study is important, but researchers often opt to include either a conceptual or a theoretical framework. Either may be adequate, but both provide greater insight into the research approach.
- For instance, a research team plans to test a novel component of an existing theory.
- Reeves et al. (2016) is an example of an article that proposed a conceptual framework about graduate teaching assistant professional development evaluation and research.
- Identifying a theory that aligns with your dissertation or doctoral study takes time.
- In focusing on a specific problem within a broader research strand, a new researcher will likely need to examine research outside BER.
- A biologist gazing at this phenomenon may be concerned with the effect of fog on various species.
- This could, but not necessarily, require a methodological approach that uses interviews, observations, surveys, or other instruments.
Conducting a literature review, selecting a theoretical framework, and building a conceptual framework are some of the most difficult elements of a research study. It takes time to understand the relevant research, identify a theoretical framework that provides important insights into the study, and formulate a conceptual framework that organizes the finding. In the research process, there is often a constant back and forth among these elements as the study evolves.
Office of Student Disability Services
Homogeneous groups worked better during interaction-rich activities for students with low reasoning ability. The authors attributed the variation to the different types of helping behaviors of students. High-performing students provided the answers, while students with low reasoning ability had to work collectively through the material. In terms of Vygotsky (1978), this finding provided new insights into the learning context in which productive interactions can occur for students. They provide the foundation for understanding the research problem and how to approach it. While both are important, there are some key differences between them that should be understood.
- Then, you would use Goleman’s theory of emotional intelligence for your framework, not the theory of another researcher.
- To begin with, it is important to recognize that conceptual frameworks are constructed by the researchers conducting the study (Rocco and Plakhotnik, 2009; Maxwell, 2012).
- Reviewers of previous-research, for the study of academic-dishonesty, cite lack of a theoretical-framework as a serious-flaw that limits the generalizations to be reasonably-made.
- However, a model depicting the study design does not serve the same role as a conceptual framework.
A biologist gazing at this phenomenon may be concerned with the effect of fog on various species. A chemist may be interested in the chemical composition of the fog as water vapor condenses around bits of salt. A physicist may be focused on the refraction of light to make fog appear to be “sitting” above the ocean.
What is Theoretical Framework?
Other studies have presented a research logic model or flowchart of the research design as a conceptual framework. These constructions can be quite valuable in helping readers understand the data-collection and analysis process. However, a model depicting the study design does not serve the same role as a conceptual framework. Researchers need to avoid conflating these constructs by differentiating the researchers’ conceptual framework that guides the study from the research design, when applicable. This chapter discusses the use of conceptual and theoretical frameworks in social science research with a focus on heritage studies. Incorporating theory or developing a conceptual framework is a critical part of the research design process.
This requires a good understanding of both frameworks in order to conduct a good investigation. 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 https://personal-accounting.org/what-are-the-variations-between-conceptual/ and/or referencing relevant theoretical aspects established through previous study. 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.
Theoretical or Conceptual Framework? What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Use?
Explicitly describing conceptual frameworks is essential in depicting the focus of the study. We have found that being explicit in a conceptual framework means using accepted terminology, referencing prior work, and clearly noting connections between terms. This description can also highlight gaps in the literature or suggest potential contributions to the field of study. A well-elucidated conceptual framework can suggest additional studies that may be warranted. This can also spur other researchers to consider how they would approach the examination of a phenomenon and could result in a revised conceptual framework. Reviewers of previous-research, for the study of academic-dishonesty, cite lack of a theoretical-framework as a serious-flaw that limits the generalizations to be reasonably-made.
What is a conceptual or theoretical framework in research?
A conceptual framework includes one or more formal theories (in part or whole) as well as other concepts and empirical findings from the literature. It is used to show relationships among these ideas and how they relate to the research study.
It provides the basis for understanding the research problem and how to approach it. Theoretical frameworks are often based on existing theories or models from other disciplines or fields of study. They provide a way of organizing information and making sense of it in order to answer questions or solve problems.
The instrument or instruments you use are also important to your theoretical framework. Researchers develop instruments from theories; therefore, instruments have specific theoretical bases. Well, there are several instruments for that, and you want to choose the one most suited for your study. Then, you would use Goleman’s theory of emotional intelligence for your framework, not the theory of another researcher. Instruments that measure the same construct are different, and their supporting theories and components are too.
