Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks

in Social Research
Introduction
Researchers should reflect on and situate their work in their
own underlying philosophical beliefs about the world, they
should also use existing knowledge to lay the foundation for
and frame their research.
This involves not only a solid grounding in the existing
literature, but also an understanding of existing theory.
Using theoretical and/or conceptual frameworks can
facilitate this work.
A lack of a clear, related theory suggests that your problem may
not be suitable for scientific inquiry.
 A RESEARCH FRAMEWORK
A research framework is a structured plan or set of guidelines
that outlines how a research project will be conducted. It serves
as a blueprint for the study, helping to organize and focus the
research process.
There are several types of research frameworks, each serving
different purposes and contexts:
1. Theoretical Framework
2. Conceptual Framework
3. Analytical Framework:
Definitions of a theoretical framework

Theoretical framework is the application of a theory, or a

set of concepts drawn from one and the same theory, to
offer an explanation of an event, or shed some light on a
particular phenomenon or research problem.’
A theoretical framework is ‘a very general theoretical
system with assumptions, concepts, and specific social
theories
Definition of theory
Theory “a set of interrelated constructs (variables),
definitions, and propositions that presents a systematic
view of phenomena by specifying relations among
variables, with the purpose of explaining natural
phenomena.
Theory Questions: Why? How? What?

Theory attempts to ask and answer three fundamental

questions: what? why? and how?
. In answering “what,” “why,” and “how” questions, theories
serve to describe, predict, and explain the world.
None of these questions can be answered “yes” or “no,” nor
do they have right or wrong answers.
Instead, they ought to provoke observation of and reflection
on performances around us
Building blocks of theory

1. Concepts
2. Constructs
3. Conceptual definitions
4. Relational statements
5. Conceptual models
A concept is a generalized idea or notion that represents
something in the real world.
In the context of human resources, concepts could include
employee engagement, leadership styles, or organizational
culture.
A definition is a statement that explains the meaning of a
concept.
For example, the definition of employee engagement could be
"the degree to which employees are invested in their work and
the organization.“
Preposition or assumption
connections among concepts inform us of the relationship
among concepts
A construct is an abstract concept that is specifically
chosen (or “created”) to explain a given phenomenon. That
comprise two concepts
All constructs are concepts but all concepts are not
constructs . ' Pain ' is both
Building Blocks of Theories
Example

Concept Conflict

Definition Conflict is interaction among

social units in which one unit
seeks to prevent the other unit
from realizing its goals
Building Blocks of Theories
Con- Conflict Social Units Solidarity
cept
Defini Interaction Types of Points to
-tion among social collective different
units in which patterns degrees of
one unit seeks individuals internal
to prevent the use for orga- cohesion and
other unit nization. unity in social
from realizing units.
its goals.
Building Blocks of Theories
Statement The greater the degree of conflict
among social units, the greater the
degree of solidarity in each unit
(Sociologist Georg Simmel)

Concept Conflict Social Units Solidarity

Definition
Building Blocks of Theories
Theory System of interrelated theoretical
statements
Theoretical Relationships among concepts
Statements
Concepts Terms that denote one aspect of the
social world
Definitions Explanations of the meaning of
concepts
Building Blocks of Theories
Group Work:
• Sit in a group of not more than 5 students.
• Take the three concepts: family, violence and alcoholism.
• Write a definition of each concept.
• Write theoretical statements showing the interrelationship
among these concepts.
Differences between Grand, Middle-range
and Micro Theories
Level of analysis
Social theorists distinguish three levels of theory:
Macro-level Theory/Grand Theories
Mid-range Theory
Micro-level Theory.
Macro theories – regarding social institutions, cultural systems
and societies, Examples of macro level theories include the ‘Big
Bang theory’ in physics and astronomy, or Marxism in social and
political science such as critical criminology or feminist
perspectives.

Middle theories – relating to communities, social movements

or organizations, and to collective agency and organizational
processes, such as ecological or subcultural perspectives
Micro level
This focuses on small groups and individuals, rather than large
structures and systems, and explains how people make sense
of everyday interactions.
A good example of a micro level theory is Goffman's theory of
social stigma which argues that some attributes or behaviours
are socially discrediting and cause the individual who is
stigmatised to be labelled and treated as abnormal or
undesirable.
Theory application
 Application of the theory
Research Research Research Data Organizatio Organization of data
objectives questions hypotheses collection n of analysis and
tools literature presentation and
review discussion of finding
General uses of the theories
1. Formulation of research objectives
2. Formulation of research question
3. Formulation of research hypothesis
4. Organization of literature review
5. Formulation of data collection tools
6. support the data analysis process (CODING)
7. Presentation of research data
8. Discussion of the finding
The general procedures for locating and including theory are these:
i. Identify the theory (or theories) from the literature search.
ii. Place the theory (model or conceptual framework) at the
beginning of the article as an a priori framework to guide the
questions or hypotheses in the study.
iii. Write about the theory by first advancing the name of the theory
to be used followed by a description how it informs study.
iv. Discuss the studies using the theory, especially studies closely
related to the present study.
v. Include a diagram of the theory indicating the probable links in
the theory and the major concepts or variables in the theory.
vi. Return to the theory at the end of the study to review its role in
informing findings and results.
vii. Compare the theory use with other studies.
Ways of using theory in research process

Theories are used in the research process in one of three ways:

1. Theory is used as a research framework, as the context for
a study (qualitative or quantitative designs)
2. Research is undertaken to test a theory (quantitative
designs)
3. Theory is generated as the outcome of a research study
(qualitative designs)
When using a theory as a conceptual framework for research,
the researcher will
1. Identify an existing theory (ies) and designate and explain the
study’s theoretical framework
2. Develop research questions/hypotheses consistent with the
framework
3. Provide conceptual definitions taken from the theory/framework
4. Use data collection instrument(s) (and operational definitions)
appropriate to the framework
5. Interpret/explain findings based on the framework
6. Determine support for the theory/framework based on the study
findings
7. Discuss implications for nursing and recommendations for
future research to address the concepts and relationships
designated by the framework
 In theory-testing research
In theory-testing research, the researcher
1. Chooses a theory of interest and selects a propositional
statement to be examined
2. develops hypotheses that have measurable variables;
3. conducts the study;
4. interprets the findings considering the predictive ability of
the theory
5. Determines if there are implications for further use of the
theory in tourism practice and/or whether further research
could be beneficial.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMWORK
Conceptual Framework
A conceptual framework is model that a researcher
sketches (draw) using boxes and arrows to illustrate the
various relationships that will be evaluated during a study
A conceptual framework is the result of bringing together
a number of related concepts to provide a broader
understanding of a phenomenon of interest or of a research
problem.
The conceptual framework for a research project is the
set of concepts used in the research project, including their
definitions and type.
A conceptual framework explains, either graphically or in
narrative form, the main things to be studied – the key
factors, variables or constructs – and the presumed
relationships among them.
Without conceptual framework, it is difficult to know what
questions to ask or what issues to explore.
Types of Conceptual Framework
1. Deductive conceptual framework
is developed during the preparation of proposal
it guides researcher during data collections
2. Inductive conceptual framework
it is created after the data collection specifically in
qualitative research
Examples of conceptual framework
Graphic Presentation
• Some authors use a diagram portrayal of a conceptual
framework with or without an accompanying narrative.
• Using diagram is recommended because
• communicating the essential elements to others.
• it lifts you from the burden of words
• It allows you to see the study and interrelationships as a
picture.
Narrative presentation
Narrative presentation of the conceptual framework clarifies
key aspects of the study foundation and conveys an
understanding of the overall study in the context of
knowledge in the discipline.
Recommendation
• I advocate narrative presentation of the conceptual
framework accompanied by a graphic.
Sources of conceptual framework
1. Experiential knowledge based on your own personal
knowledge and experience can be useful to form a
framework in your mind;
2. Prior theory and research that includes other people’s
theories and research
3. Pilot and exploratory studies that you conduct prior
to starting your main research project that provide
some insights.
4. Thought experiments or speculative model building,
often used in science, trying to build plausible
explanations for your observations.
 • From literatures
Identif • Theory
ying
conce • Researcher experience
pts

Definin • Provide meaning of the concepts based on literature review

g the
conce
pts

Operati
onalize
• defining the indicators will be used to measure or identify each construct.
the
conce
pt

relatio
nship • Explain the relationship between the concept
betwee
n
conce
pt

Visual
• create a visual representation of conceptual framework to illustrate the constructs
presen
tation
and their relationships
 Elements of a Conceptual Framework
Key Concepts and Variables: Identifies the main ideas,
variables, or factors central to the research. This could include
independent and dependent
Theoretical Foundations: Presents the theories or models that
form the basis of the study
Assumptions
States the assumptions that underpin the framework and any
propositions regarding relationships between variables
Visual Representation
Often includes diagrams or models that visually depict the
relationships between concepts.
Example in a Research Context In a study examining
factors driving the adoption of sustainable practices in
hotels
Key Concepts: Regulatory pressure, hotel management
commitment, staff training, waste segregation.
Theoretical Foundation: Institutional theory to explore
how external pressures influence practices.
Propositions: "Higher regulatory pressure leads to
increased adoption of sustainable waste practices.
"Diagram: A visual representation showing the relationship
between regulatory pressure and sustainable waste
practices.
Research gap
What is research gap?
A research Gap is the missing element in the current
research literature, and researchers have to fill those blind
spots with proper selection of designs to make the research
title acceptable for research.
Research gap is leading to the key questions that need to
be addressed by the researchers.
A systematic literature review will lead to the question has
not been addressed in a given domain
Knowledge Gap
This gap is concerned with the lack of research on a
particular subject. Thus, the desired research findings do
not exist.
Evidence Gap
This gap is concerned with contradictions in the findings of
prior research. There are conflicts in prior studies that have
contradictory results and conclusions.
Empirical gaps arise from the lack of sufficient or reliable
data or evidence to support a claim or hypothesis.
Theoretical gaps stem from the limitations or weakness of
existing theories or frameworks to explain or interpret a
phenomenon or concept.
Methodological gaps result from the inadequacy or
inappropriateness of existing research methods or designs
to address a research question or problem.
Contextual gaps emerge from the lack of attention or
representation of a specific context or population in the
existing literature.
For example lack of studies on a particular topic or issue in
a certain geographical, temporal, cultural, or social setting
can all be indicative of research gaps.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF
IDENTIFYING RESEARCH GAPS
It guides researchers towards areas that require further
investigation.
Research gaps provide valuable guidance in formulating
research questions and objectives
Identifying research gaps allows researchers to push the
boundaries of existing knowledge and expand the frontiers of
knowledge.
It helps researchers avoid duplicating existing studies and
encourages them to explore untapped avenues of investigation.
Identifying research gaps helps ensure the validity and reliability
of scholarly work