Formulating a Theoretical Framework from Literature Review
- Boon Yih Mah
- Jan 2, 2023
- 6 min read
A theoretical framework serves as the foundation for an entire investigation. A theory is a collection of concepts organised into assumptions and generalisations that lead to hypotheses about a phenomenon (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). On the other hand, a framework is the structure of an idea or notion and how it is assembled. However, "model" and "theory" are sometimes used interchangeably. A theoretical framework can be defined as follows:
It is a structure that guides research based on a formal theory developed from an established, cohesive explanation of specific events and their connections (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
It is an abstract representation of how one theorises or makes logical sense of the links between the many components recognised as significant to the problem (Adom et al., 2018).
It is a logically developed, described, and elaborated network of associations among the variables deemed relevant to the problem, identified through interviews, observations, and a literature survey (Vinz, 2022).
A. Theoretical Framework Attributes
A theoretical framework expresses the theoretical component of your research. It is a collection of interconnected theories that guide your study. A solid theoretical framework directs your research, allowing you to interpret, explain, and generalise your findings convincingly (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). It plays an important role in research studies by providing focus and organisation, exposing and obstructing meaning, connecting the current study to previous studies, and identifying strengths and weaknesses (Vinz, 2022).
There is a need to develop theoretical understanding and translate it into meaningful practice by critically assessing the literature and establishing a theoretical framework. As a result of these interconnected relationships or networks, the theoretical framework is formed. Researchers may respond to a few questions adapted from Sinclair (2007) to construct a "loosely organised" theoretical framework for the developmental process. Here are some questions:
What do I know about the phenomena I wish to investigate?
What information can I acquire (empirical, theoretical, intuitive, implicit, moral, or ethical)?
What theory would most effectively guide my study topic?
Do prior research studies support the idea?
What additional hypotheses are pertinent to this research project?
How can I put these theories and discoveries into practice?
A good theoretical framework has the following attributes:
It elaborates on the relationships among the variables, explains the theory underlying these relationships, and describes their nature and direction.
It analyses the interrelationships between the factors considered essential to the situation under investigation.
It identifies the network of relationships among the variables deemed important for studying any given problem.
It proposes or hypothesises specific connections and tests them to increase our understanding of the situation's characteristics.
The anticipated associations may be evaluated using proper statistical methods.
Based on the theoretical framework, testable hypotheses can be formulated to determine whether the proposed theory is valid.
It expands on the variables' connections, discusses the theory underpinning these interactions, and specifies the nature and direction of the relationships.
B. Theoretical vs. Conceptual vs. Research Frameworks
a. Similarities Across All Frameworks
Purpose: All three frameworks define the research process's direction and structure.
Foundation: Each framework is built on existing knowledge, theories, or concepts.
Problem Focus: They help identify, explore, and address the research problem.
Relationship Building: All frameworks illustrate connections between ideas, theories, and variables relevant to the study.
b. Differences
Aspect | Theoretical Framework | Conceptual Framework | Research Framework |
Definition | Derived from existing theories that underpin the study. | Based on concepts and empirical findings relevant to the study. | A practical plan outlining how the research will be conducted. |
Foundation | Established on well-known theories (e.g., motivation theory). | Focuses on definitions, ideas, and concepts from various sources. | Rooted in the methodological structure, including research design. |
Focus | Focuses on testing or applying established theories. | Focuses on defining and understanding specific study variables. | Focuses on executing the study (methods, sampling, data collection). |
Scope | Broad, often linking multiple theories to frame the study. | Narrow, addressing specific concepts within the study's scope. | Practical and focused on operational aspects of conducting research. |
Usage | Commonly used in quantitative research. | Commonly used in qualitative research. | Applied in all research types, especially in implementing the study. |
Structure | Theoretical relationships and frameworks based on historical studies. | A diagram or narrative showing conceptual relationships. | Includes hypotheses, methods, variables, and procedural flow. |
Outcome | Explains why the research problem exists based on theoretical lenses. | Explains what concepts define and inform the problem. | Explains how the research will be conducted. |
c. Key Highlights
Theoretical Framework
Grounded in formal, established theories from previous research.
Explains the relationship between existing theories and the research problem.
Example: Using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to explore employee motivation.
Conceptual Framework
Derived from key concepts and their interrelationships as defined by the researcher.
Often visualised as a flowchart or diagram.
Example: Mapping how social media use affects mental health using specific variables such as time spent online and self-esteem.
Research Framework
Operational plan, detailing methodology, data collection, and analysis.
Includes specific hypotheses, variables, and tools used in the study.
Example: Outlining the steps of an experiment to measure the impact of exercise on stress levels.
After understanding the similarities and differences between theoretical and conceptual frameworks, here are the steps to creating a good theoretical framework.
Examine your research problem.
Consider your research's variables.
List the constructs and variables that may be relevant to your research.
Examine previous related literature for answers to your research question.
Use specific diagrammatic representation to present your theoretical framework.
C. Diagrammatic Representations Solutions
Theoretically, theoretical frameworks may be grouped into six main forms of diagrammatic representations displayed in "boxes and arrows." These include cause-and-effect, linear or cyclical, hierarchical, matrix, overlapping, and layered models. The boxes represent the concepts or components, while the arrows show their links. Below are the diagrammatic representations of various frameworks commonly used to build the theoretical framework.
a. Cause and Effect Model
In this form, the item at the start of the arrow causes or influences the item's position at the arrowhead. Theoretical frameworks grounded in cause-and-effect relationships often underpin hypothetico-deductive research. The "arrows" in the diagram can be converted into a series of testable hypotheses. An example of a cause-and-effect model showing the effects of factors W, X, and Y on the outcome Z is shown below.
The two other examples below are derived from Sekaran's (2003) general theoretical framework, which illustrates the association between the independent variables (IVs) and the dependent variables (DVs).
b. Linear or Cyclical Model
The diagram below shows that this model's connections are based on logic and order. It progresses in a logical order from stage to stage. Any other arrangement would be ineffective and pointless.
The diagram below shows that relationships can also be linked cyclically (loop).
The diagram below is another cyclical model with more than three ideas.
c. Hierarchical Model
Relationships in this framework are prioritised from least to most important. A classic example is Maslow's (1954) food pyramid of requirements, which demonstrated that basic, low-level physiological and safety needs must be met before pursuing higher-level needs such as self-fulfilment. A triangle may represent the hierarchy of requirements, with the higher-order needs at the triangle's apex, A, and the lower-order needs at the triangle's base, B, as shown below.
d. Matrix Model
A theoretical framework may also be represented as a matrix. For example, the 2x2 matrix below may show a contingency table that accommodates the independent variables (V) and the dependent variable (DV).
e. Overlapping Model
This theoretical framework depicts groupings of related concepts, as shown in the diagrams below. Shulman's (1986) and Mah's (2021) frameworks are the two typical examples of overlapping models. As shown in the left diagram below, Shulman's pedagogical content knowledge (Y) is made up of the similarity between content knowledge (X) and pedagogical knowledge (Z). Based on Mah's (2021) e-framework, as seen in the right diagram below, Web-based Cognitive Writing Instruction or WeCWI is a synthesis of language acquisition (X), cognitive theories (Y), and composition studies (Z) within an e-learning environment.
f. Layered Model
Sometimes, the concepts overlap in a layered fashion rather than as shown above. The model presented below can be used to build a generic representation of this theoretical framework. X and Y are the external factors of Z as the outcome.
References
Adom, D., Hussein, E. K., & Agyem, J. A. (2018). Theoretical and conceptual framework: Mandatory ingredients of a quality research. International Journal of Scientific Research, 7(1), 438-441.
Grant, C., & Osanloo, A. (2014). Understanding, selecting, and integrating a theoretical framework in dissertation research: Creating the blueprint for your "house." Administrative Issues Journal: Connecting Education, Practice, and Research, 4(2), 12-26.
Vinz, S. (2022, October 14). What is a theoretical framework? | Guide to organizing. Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/theoretical-framework/
Let's Recall...
Why is it important to know the differences between theoretical, conceptual, and research frameworks, and how can these affect your research results?
What should a researcher think about when choosing a diagram to show their theoretical framework, and how can this choice affect the study?
How does reviewing existing research help build a strong theoretical framework, and what can you do to ensure it fits your study?
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