Theoretical Framework: Definition, Construction, and Examples
A theoretical framework is a conceptual framework that provides a structured foundation for understanding, analyzing, and interpreting research findings within a specific theoretical perspective or framework. It helps researchers frame their study, define key concepts, establish relationships between variables, and guide the research process. In this post, we’ll look into the definition of a theoretical framework, discuss how to construct it effectively and provide examples to illustrate its application in research.
Understanding Theoretical Frameworks:
- Definition: A theoretical framework is a set of interrelated concepts, theories, models, or propositions that guide research by providing a conceptual framework for understanding phenomena, relationships, and patterns.
- Purpose: Theoretical frameworks help researchers:
- Define key concepts and variables.
- Establish relationships and hypotheses.
- Provide a lens or perspective for interpreting data.
- Guide the selection of research methods and approaches.
How to Construct a Theoretical Framework:
Identify Key Concepts and Variables:
- Identify and define the central concepts, variables, or constructs relevant to your research topic or question.
- Clarify the relationships and connections between these concepts.
Review Existing Literature:
- Conduct a thorough review of existing literature, theories, models, and frameworks related to your research topic.
- Identify theories or perspectives that align with your research objectives and contribute to your theoretical framework.
Select a Theoretical Perspective:
- Choose a theoretical perspective or framework that best suits your research goals, questions, and hypotheses.
- Consider theories from disciplines such as sociology, psychology, economics, or education, depending on the nature of your study.
Establish Relationships and Hypotheses:
- Define the relationships between key concepts or variables within your framework.
- Formulate hypotheses or propositions based on the theoretical assumptions and predictions derived from the framework.
Organize and Structure:
- Organize your framework into logical components or categories, such as concepts, relationships, assumptions, and hypotheses.
- Use visual aids such as diagrams, charts, or models to illustrate the structure and connections within the framework.
Apply the Framework to Your Study:
- Apply the framework to guide the design, implementation, and analysis of your research study.
- Use the framework to interpret findings, draw conclusions, and discuss implications within the context of the theoretical perspective.
Examples of a Theoretical Framework:
Health Behavior Model (HBM):
- Key Concepts: Perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, cues to action, self-efficacy.
- Relationships: Perceived susceptibility and severity influence health behaviour, moderated by perceived benefits and barriers.
- Example Application: Exploring factors influencing individuals’ adherence to preventive health behaviours based on HBM.
Social Learning Theory (SLT):
- Key Concepts: Observational learning, reinforcement, self-efficacy, modelling.
- Relationships: Individuals learn behaviours through observation, imitation, and reinforcement, influenced by perceived self-efficacy.
- Example Application: Examining the role of social learning processes in shaping behaviour change interventions.
Technology Acceptance Model (TAM):
- Key Concepts: Perceived usefulness, ease of use, attitude, behavioural intention.
- Relationships: Perceived usefulness and ease of use predict users’ attitudes and intention to adopt technology.
- Example Application: Investigating factors influencing users’ acceptance of e-learning platforms based on TAM.
Summary:
A theoretical framework serves as a conceptual roadmap that guides researchers in structuring their study, defining key concepts, establishing relationships, and interpreting findings within a theoretical perspective. By following the steps outlined in this guide and drawing from relevant examples, researchers can construct a robust theoretical framework that enhances the rigour, coherence, and theoretical grounding of their research. Theoretical frameworks not only provide a foundation for research design and analysis but also contribute to advancing knowledge, theory development, and scholarly discourse within diverse fields of study.
Recommended reading
Anfara Jr, V. A., & Mertz, N. T. (Eds.). (2014). Theoretical frameworks in qualitative research. Sage publications. (click to view on Amazon)
The Second Edition of Theoretical Frameworks in Qualitative Research brings together some of today’s leading qualitative researchers to discuss the frameworks behind their published qualitative studies. They share how they found and chose a theoretical framework, from what discipline the framework was drawn, what the framework posits, and how it influenced their study.
