This document discusses key aspects of developing a theoretical framework for research, including problem definition, research questions, and variables. It notes that a theoretical framework provides the logical relationships between identified variables in a research problem. A good framework identifies the variables under study, links the current study to prior work, and guides data collection and analysis. The framework can be depicted visually through diagrams showing constructs and relationships between variables. Different types of theories - qualitative, quantitative, descriptive, explanatory, and predictive - are discussed. A theory consists of concepts, relationships between concepts, and testable predictions. Hypotheses are derived from and help explain theories.

1. THEORY AND RESEARCH
•Problem Definition
•Theoretical Framework

2. Observation
(Broad area of research
interest Identified)
Preliminary Data
Gathering
(Literature survey and
interviewing)
Problem Definition
(Research problem delineated)
Theoretical Framework
(Variables clearly identified and labeled)

3. Problem Definition
A problem may deal with the existing problem.
It may be a quest for achieving an idealistic state.
 A research problem simply indicates an interest in the issue where finding the
right answer might help to improve an existing situation.
Example:
How do the Nepalese business executives spent their leisure time ?
How does their lifestyle relate to their social networking?
 Symptoms of a problem must be recognized. Symptoms cannot be real
problems.

4. What is a Research Problem?
• It is considered a situation that needs to be changed or addressed.
• Hence, a researcher would like to investigate the situation.
• These problems consist of:
• Areas of concern.
• Conditions to be improved.
• Difficulties to be eliminated.
• Questions seeking answers.

5. Problem Statement
There are three features of a problem statement:
• It should raise a question about the relationship between variables.
• The relationship between the variables should be stated and explained clearly.
• It should suggest a method of researching a question.

6. Features of Good Research Questions
• Having a good idea for research is not enough. You must translate that idea into
good research questions.
• Researching a question imposes demands on a researcher’s time and resource.
The resources should not be expended to answer trivial questions.
Asking Answerable Questions
Frame specific questions that can be answered through application of scientific research
methods.
Asking the Right Questions
Ask empirical questions that can be answered by objective observation.
Asking Important Questions
A question is important if answering it will clarify relationships among variables known to
affect the system under study.

7. Examples of Research Questions
Management Dilemma:
 Our sales are declining for the last few months.
Management Question:
 What could we do to increase sales?
Research Questions:
 What are the factors impacting sales?
 What are the factors to be focused on to increase sales?
 What specific reforms can improve sales performance?
 How does sales in this factory compare to industry norms?

8. Types of research Questions
• Descriptive :
What is the level of stress on the employes of
Nepalese private banks?
• Observational
What is the relationship between job security and
organizational performance in Nepal?
• Casual
Do the performance of employees increase after
the increment in salary and other perks?
• Seeking differences
Is there any difference in the perception of
employees over jobs on the basis of experience?

9. Theoretical Framework
What is a Theoretical Framework?
Theoretical framework is a conceptual model that provides logical relationship
between the factors or variables so identified in the research problem.
•In every scientific research, a conceptual framework is
needed.
•Theorizing the relationship – network of relationships
among variables is developed.
•Logical relationship among variables has to be
identified. It is like weaving a piece of cloth.

10. Why Do We Need a Theoretical Framework?
• Improves understanding of the situation under study.
• Identifies the variables under study
• Provides a connecting link between your study and the previous studies.
• Helps frame hypotheses that are testable.
• Provides general framework
• Helps to test or build theory
• Guides for data collection
• Helps to data analysis and interpretation
What You Are Required to Do?
• A schematic diagram should be given to clarify the theoretical framework.

11. • A theory is a statement concerning the relationships among concepts.
• A theory is a set of interrelated concepts.
Concept A Concept B

12. Theoretical Framework

13. Types of Theories
• Qualitative Theories
These theories verbally express relationships among variables.
• Quantitative Theories
These theories express relationships among variables in mathematical terms.
• Descriptive Theories
These theories simply describe a phenomenon.

14. Types of Quantitative Theories
• Explanatory Theory
Attempts to explain behaviour or performance of a
complex system.
• Predictive Theory
Attempts to characterize conditions that are likely to lead to new opportunities or
outcomes. It forecasts future events.
• Normative Theory
Provides guidelines for practice. It prescribes the right actions in a particular
circumstance.

15. Components of a Theory
• Terms, concepts, or variables
• Domain (where the theory applies)
• A set of relationships of concepts
• Specific prediction
To be a good theory, it has to be tested and applied.
It is not all the time easy to test a theory, particularly
when the theory is an abstract one.

16. The System of a Theory
Variables
Constructs Proposition
Hypotheses
Constructs
Variables

17. Variables
•Dependent
•Independent
•Moderating
•Intervening
•Extraneous

18. Hypotheses and Models
These terms are often used as synonyms for theory. There are, however, differences
in their meaning.
• Hypotheses
- A hypothesis is a specific statement about a relationship that is subjected to direct
empirical test.
- Hypotheses are derived from theory.
• Models
- A model is a specific implementation of a more general theoretical perspective.
- A model has a limited domain than do theories.
- A model’s purpose is to increase our understanding, prediction, and control.
- Models are an important means of aiding decision makers. With given inputs
what will be the output?
The role of hypotheses is to explain; the role of a model role is representation.

19. Theory and Law
•Law describes a universal
relationship in which scientists
have so much confidence that
they consider it an absolute
“truth”.

20. Deductive Approach (Theory Testing)
• We develop a theory and hypotheses and test them.
• Deducing a hypothesis from the theory.
• Expressing the hypothesis in operational terms.
• Testing this operational hypothesis.
• Examining whether the test confirms the theory.
• If necessary, modify the theory in the light of the findings

21. Inductive Approach (Theory Building)
• The researcher tries to understand the nature of the problem, gather required
data, analyze them and draw conclusions.
• The result of this analysis would be the formulation of a theory. Thus, theory is
built from the empirical evidences gathered from different sources.
• Grounded Theory