LESSON 6: WRITING THE THEORETICAL/ CONCEPTUAL

FRAMEWORK
A conceptual framework is a “frame that works” to put those concepts into
practice.
- The Meters of Thinking

A theory is a set of interrelated constructs

(concepts), definitions, and propositions that present a
systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations
among variables, with the purpose of explaining and
predicting the phenomena. Based on the foregoing
statement, what are the characteristics of a theory? How
are they related to a theoretical framework and a
conceptual framework? What roles do these frameworks
play in developing a good research output?

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

1. Recognize the key elements of a theoretical/ conceptual framework;

2. Distinguish between theoretical and conceptual frameworks in a study; and
3. Identify the concepts related to theoretical or conceptual framework given
a sample.

LET’S RECALL

Do This!

Fact or Bluff. Write Fact if the statement is True and Bluff if it is False on the
space provided before each statement.
_______ 1. A research framework provides an underlying structure that
supports the collective efforts that are undertaken in a study.
_______ 2. A theory sets out the interrelations between or among a set of
variables or constructs.
_______ 3. Literature review is a key to the development of clear conceptual
and theoretical frameworks.
_______ 4. The theoretical framework represents the summary of the
researcher’s own thoughts about his/ her research.
_______ 5. The theoretical framework comprises what the experts in the field
say about a researcher’s research question.
_______ 6. The conceptual framework is the logical conceptualization of the
experts in a researcher’s entire research project.
_______ 7. A conceptual framework is a sub-set of the theoretical framework.
_______ 8. The conceptual framework is the logical master plan for one’s
entire research project.
_______ 9. A conceptual framework is necessary for a research to have a
scholarly foundation that will make sense of the meaning
contained in the research data.
_______ 10. The theoretical framework comprises other people’s theoretical
perspectives that are helpful in the data analysis and interpretation
of one’s research.

LET’S LEARN

Definition and function of a study framework

For a research to be understandable, it must be based on a framework. This is
likened to a building in which its parts are supported by a structure or a frame.
Without the supporting structure, the windows, walls, floors and other parts of
the building would not come into shape. This is similar to a research because it
is the study framework which ‘piece together’ the concepts under investigation
to prevent the research to go wayward. Thus, a study framework ‘holds
together’ the ideas, assumptions, and propositions of an investigation which
largely influences how data are collected, analyzed, and interpreted. In short, it
presents a systematic view of the assembly of ideas, constructs or variables that
are ‘held together’ in a study.

Concept Check:
Complete the sentence in your own words.
A study framework is
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__.

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Distinction between theoretical and conceptual framework
Any research uses theoretical or conceptual framework but the choice on which
one to use is a decision of the researcher. But what makes the difference between
theoretical and conceptual framework?
In terms of origin, a theoretical framework is built on a previously established
theory or a combination of theories which the research wants to be tested or to
be adopted as guide in the study. On the other hand, a conceptual framework is
created by the
researcher based on the
various concepts or
perspectives reviewed.
Both the theoretical
and conceptual
framework are usually
products of the
researcher’s review of
related literature and
studies on the topic
under investigation.
With respect to
purpose, a theoretical
framework presents a
theory which may be
used as an argument,
discussion, or model
explaining or
predicting a
phenomenon under A Theoretical Framework for Investigating Constructivist Teaching

study. In such case, the research design, sample, data collection techniques and
analysis strictly follow the central propositions, constructs, and model of the
theory. Examples of learning theories which may be used in a theoretical
framework for educational researches include, Cognitive, Behaviorism,
Constructivism, Humanism, and Connectivism Learning Theories, among
others. The examples of theories which may be used in social science researches
include Symbolic Interactionism, Rational Choice Theory, Historical
Materialism, Feminist Theory, and Theory of Planned Behavior, among others.
In contrast, a conceptual framework guides the researcher to see the integration
of varied constructs where no dominant theoretical perspective or with no
reference to a particular theory.

As regards their conceptual meaning, a theoretical framework applies a theory

or a part of it in a study while a conceptual framework synthesizes the various
relevant concepts into a meaningful whole.

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Along methodological approach, a theoretical framework is mainly utilized in a
quantitative research paradigm as it seeks to test a hypothesis or explain a social
phenomenon. Considering that it is mainly used in a quantitative research, it
follows a deductive process as it verifies the ‘power’ and applicability of the
theory in explaining or predicting a phenomenon. Meanwhile, a conceptual
framework is usually used in both quantitative and qualitative research
paradigms or mixed approaches. It follows an inductive approach since the
research problems cannot be explained in just one theoretical lens. Normally,
the conceptual framework is the product of the researcher’s effort in bringing
together the various related concepts explaining or predicting the phenomenon
of interest.

Concept Check:

Construct a Venn- Diagram showing the similarities and

differences between Conceptual and Theoretical frameworks.

How to write a good theoretical and conceptual framework

If you choose to use a theoretical framework in your study, there are certain
considerations that you need to take note. Following these considerations may
give substance to your theoretical framework.
1. Identify the key concepts of your study. Examine your research title, problem
statement and research questions then explore what theories and models
have already developed that may jibe with your constructs or variables.
There may be numerous theories that may be related with your topic but it
needs painstaking effort to evaluate and compare these theories so as to
select the best and most relevant for your study.

2. Explain and evaluate the theory that you use. Discuss the assumptions and
propositions of the theory and show the reason for selecting such. It must be

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 noted that a single theory may be explained differently by different theorists
thus, it is important that you clearly examine whose theoretical assumptions
and propositions are you using and how do they support your research. In
doing so, you lay the foundation to which you would like to interpret and
analyze your results in the future.

3. Show how your research fits in the theory. After explaining and evaluating
the theory, you need to show how your constructs may relate with the
assumptions and propositions of the theory. You may wish to test the theory
based on a different context or you may want to challenge its assumptions.
It is also essential possible that you use the theory as basis for developing
your own hypotheses.
On the other hand, the considerations in constructing your conceptual
framework are as follows:
1. Identify the key concepts of your study. Just like the theoretical framework,
you need to examine critically your title, problem statement and specific
questions or objectives. This is very important as this is your way of
mapping out the scope and the relationship of your constructs.

2. Conduct a thorough literature review of your constructs. Since the

conceptual framework is an assembly or an integration of two or more
constructs, you need to perform intensive and extensive literature review
about them. Prior studies or even theories about your constructs may help
you shape into a meaningful whole the relevant concepts you want to study.

3. Explain the constructs by its operational definition or its use in the study.
While it helps you to lay the conceptual definition of your constructs, it is
imperative to operationalize them depending on its use in your study. Like
in all part of the paper, you need to cite all sources in your explanation to
avoid plagiarism.

4. Explain how the constructs are connected with one another. In showing the
connection of the constructs, it is important to determine the independent
and dependent variables of the study. This hold true in a quantitative study
which seeks to examine association and effect. The independent variable
(IV) is the construct that influences, affects, predicts, or explains the
dependent variable (DV), which is the expected effect, response or outcome
with the changes in the independent variable. Other variables (moderating,
mediating, and control) which may influence the relationship of the IV and
DV may also be considered.
There is no cookbook formula in structuring your study framework. What is
important is that the constructs are clearly and logically structured. One of the
best practices is to draw a concept map or a paradigm showing the direction and
how each of the variables in the specific questions are interrelated.

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 Concept Check:

In not more than three sentences, which is easier to construct in a

study, theoretical or conceptual framework? Why?

___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

LET’S PRACTICE

Examine the conceptual framework below taken from DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2021-0006 and justify in not more than three
sentences if it followed the guidelines in developing a conceptual framework.

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 LET’S ASSESS

Check This!

Using the foregoing conceptual framework, identify the following:

1. What the two main constructs of the study?

____________________________________________________________

2. Which is the IV and the DV of the study?

____________________________________________________________

3. What constructs were considered in the literature review?

____________________________________________________________

4. Which terms were operationally defined?

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 ____________________________________________________________

5. What does the paradigm imply in so far as the relationship of the IV and the
DV is concerned?
____________________________________________________________