The document discusses developing a theoretical and conceptual framework for research. It explains that a theoretical framework presents the theory that explains why the research problem exists, while a conceptual framework operationalizes the theory and gives direction to the study. The document provides guidance on formulating each framework, including specifying the theory, relating it to other work, and connecting it to the research objectives.

1. Developing the
theoretical and
conceptual framework
Heddy Hidalgo Rivero
Adapted from (Khan, 1999)
Zorn and Campbell (2006

2. Theory
Theories are constructed in order to explain, predict
and master phenomena (e.g. relationships, events, or
the behavior). In many instances theories are models of
reality.
A theory makes generalizations about observations and
consists of an interrelated, coherent set of ideas and
models.
Theories not only imply the answer of some hypothesis,
but also, lead to the formulation of some others

3. Formulating the Theoretical
Framework
The theoretical framework of the study is a structure
that can hold or support a theory of a research work.
It presents the theory which explains why the
problem under study exists.
Thus, the theoretical framework is but a theory that
serves as a basis for conducting research.
Theories used to explain the research object represent
the vision under which we approach such an object
and somehow the ways we should take in doing so

4. Formulating the Theoretical Framework
Purpose:
• It helps the researcher know his/her research object
• It helps the researcher see clearly the variables of
the study;
• It can provide him with a general framework for data
analysis;
• It is essential in preparing a research proposal using
descriptive and experimental methods.

5. How should the theoretical framework be formulated?
1. The author should specify the theory used as basis
for the study
2. The author should mention the proponents of the
theory
3. The author should cite the main points emphasized
in the theory
4. The author should support the exposition of the
theory by ideas from other experts;
5. The author should relate his theoretical proposition
with his own study.

6. How should the theoretical framework be formulated?
1. It is the author’s job to synthesize or make sense of
the literature. Simply describing or quoting the
literature may be adequate, but in doing so the writer
loses the argument as well as his or her own voice
2. The author has to relate the theories and the
concepts included among themselves. He also has to
convey the relationship among the sources he is
considering (Zorn and Campbell, 2006)
3. The author has to relate his/her research object to
the main proposals oh the theories he/she is exposing

7. How should the theoretical framework be written?
1. An introduction that provides an overview of the focus and
objectives of the review, along with a thesis statement
2. A set of themes that categorize and make sense of the
sources reviewed and develop the thesis (e.g., sources that
support a particular position, those opposed, and those offering
alternative views)
3. Explanation and evaluation of conclusions reached by key
sources, and explanation of how they converge and diverge
from the conclusions reached by other source
4. Conclusions, reasonable speculations, and gaps that emerge
after considering the sources as a whole
Zorn and Campbell (2006)

8. Concept
After formulating the theoretical framework, the
researcher has to develop the conceptual framework of
the study.
A concept is an image or symbolic representation of an
abstract idea. Chinn and Kramer (1999) define a concept
as a “complex mental formulation of experience”.
While the theoretical framework is the theory on which
the study is based, the conceptual framework is the
operationalization of the theory.

9. Conceptual framework
It represents the researcher’s own position on the
problem. It gives direction to the study.
It may be an adaptation of a model used in a previous
study, with modifications to suit the specific inquiry.
Besides showing the direction of the study, through the
conceptual framework, the researcher can be able to
show the relationships of the different constructs that
he wants to investigate.
It allows the researcher to construct his/her own terms
and to clarify those being used in the study

10. How should the conceptual framework be formulated?
1. cite your conceptual framework or paradigm;
2. Identify your variables;
3. Point out the dependent and intervening variables;
4. Show the direction of the study.