Islamic University of Technology (IUT)

Research Methodology Assignment

Topic: Theoretical Framework in Research

Submitted By:
Nazneen Islam Jabeen, ID: 170061048

Submitted To
Prof. Dr. Khondoker Mokaddem Hossain
Department of Business and Technology Management
Islamic University of Technology (IUT)

Theoretical Framework in Research

Table of Content

Introduction...............................................................................................................3
Abstract......................................................................................................................3
What is Theoretical Framework................................................................................4
Classification of Different Theory.............................................................................5
The importance of Theoretical Framework in research............................................6
Developing the Theoretical Framework....................................................................8
Purposes of Theoretical Framework........................................................................10
Different Levels of Theory......................................................................................12
Feasibility of Theoretical Framework in Business..................................................14
How to develop Theoretical Framework.................................................................15
What to do in Theoretical Framework.....................................................................16
Constructing the Theoretical Framework................................................................18
Conclusion...............................................................................................................20
Introduction:
Theoretical framework is the concept of theories that are used in a particular study or research. It
creates the relevancy of theories and concepts of a research work.
Theoretical framework cannot be found in literature. The researcher needs the relevant course
reading review for theories and analytical model of the research problems of the topic of his
research. Theoretical framework makes a research more meaningful, relevant and acceptable. It
ensures the generalization of a research work and strengthen the theories.
Irrelevant theories and analysis can weaken a research from reaching to the ultimate result. It is
very difficult to determine the position of the specific study without the help of theoretical
framework. Also, it makes a reader unable to understand the topic or content.
Theoretical framework makes the background of a research easy to understand by creating the
relevancy of concepts and theories. This could be said the backbone of a research. Because,
without the framework a research cannot determine and reach to the ultimate result where the
purpose of a research is to ascertain the specific findings and result. Theoretical framework is
significantly important for theoretical constructions, concepts and making a research work
understandable with its findings. The way a frame holds a structure, the theoretical framework
does the same in a research.

Abstract:
In research, we need theories, facts, data, case studies to prove a certain point or come to a
conclusion about a particular topic. Theoretical framework is the accumulation of theories that
are to be used in one particular research or study. However, indeed it’s very important for us to
understand the significance of theoretical framework and the objectives that it aims to solve. The
theories are used to strengthen the logic and support behind a research in order to reach a
conclusion. In this write-up/article we are aiming to divide the topics regarding theoretical
framework into a certain classification levels and will try to make sure the clarity behind all of it.
We will be talking about the importance of theoretical framework and how to develop it along
the feasibility of it in business research. However, the purpose of this write-up also elaborates the
significance of using theoretical framework in business. It is crucial to understand that in
business we need to have accumulated ideas of pre-developed theories in order to implement it in
developing a product/service/experience and so on and so forth. Our write-up shall also include
the different levels of theoretical framework and will try to indicate on which level business
theories are implemented/contributes. With these being said, it is crucial to have theories as it
helps us to understand one particular topic or to reach the conclusion real fast. Theories
regarding a research can help to change a person’s views on the world as well.

Keywords: Theory, Theoretical Framework, Business, Research, Study, Feasibility,

Perception.
What is Theoretical Framework:

Theoretical framework is the structure of creating relevancy among the theories and sometimes
challenges to extend the existing critical and existing knowledge. The theoretical framework
describes, supports, creates relevancy among the theories, strengthen the theories of a research
which is under taken.
Theoretical framework helps a researcher to articulate his new theories with the existing one and
creates a relevancy between the theories. It helps to find the limitations of a theory and also helps
to generalize them. It helps the researcher to work in a more informed and effective way. So that
a researcher can strengthen his new findings and variables from specific study with the theory.
For example, a researcher can make relevancy of theories through his findings and studies with
an existing theory in the field which is not worked out well. The framework will strengthen the
existing theory by adding new ideas removing the constraints. The relevancy, meaningfulness,
strength of theories will help a research to reach its ultimate result.

Theoretical framework examines the theory’s appropriateness, ease of implications and the
exponential power. It works as a guideline for the logical explanation of theories and for defining
the relationship among the theories and variables. It focuses on the research problem and link the
problematic theories creating relevancy among them. It holds and support the theories of the
topic of research for finding the ultimate result. It strengthens the assumptions of the theories
which are existing in the field of research work. The proposition of a theories can have
limitations. Theoretical frameworks work to removing the constraints.
Theoretical framework identifies and defines the problems of a research. It also evaluates the
solution of the problems. Theoretical framework can give new meaning to an existing theory by
adding new variables.

By developing into theoretical framework, a researcher can analysis the research problem by his
own. Theoretical framework is perhaps the easiest way to make people understand the nature and
functions of a theory which is used in a research. Theoretical framework explicit the
understanding of the research problems. Theoretical framework provides the researcher a
professional discipline with an understandable language and a frame of references for explaining
the limitations of the theories of a research.
Classification of Different Theory:

Pictorial:
These are the theories which represent the image of reality. Here, the theory for reality is well
defined. This is about what our eyes see and how it perceives visual information and data.

Descriptive:
This theory helps to differentiate various kinds of events, elements and phenomena. For
Differentiating various kinds of events, a set of dimensions are presented. For an example, how
the learner’s mind and spirit are capable of sensing the rationalization and orderly pattern of the
real world.

Associational:
This is the summation of some statements which can help find what kind of phenomena appear
and go along together well. This theory denotes the behaviorism and how concepts are learned
step by step by people. For an example, criminal behavior is learned and adapted by the
surroundings sometime.

Causal:
It denotes the cause of any phenomena happening and it also discovers how a phenomenon
influence other phenomena to take place. For an example, how an object is perceived will
depend on the effect of a long causal chain where one of the links will be perceived by the
object.
Implicational:
It helps to recognize the pattern of what one phenomenon can be implied some facts from the
other phenomena. It means how one particular phenomenon can give elements for other events to
happen. It is based on the implications which come from analyzing any situation or event. For an
example, when a policeman suspects the criminal without any evidence, it is based on
implicational knowledge.
Operational:
A set of conditions that cause parts of reality to reappear. These conditions help visualize the
image of reality in different way. The area of psychology is sometimes based on these types of
theories.

The importance of Theoretical Framework in research:

The theoretical framework creates a lot of benefits for a research. It helps to show how and why
researchers conduct their research. Theoretical framework works like a structure and supports the
theories to create relevancy among them. There could be so many existing theories in the field of
research which are logically weak in nature. Theoretical framework makes the theories relevant
and strengthen them by combining the theories with the researcher’s ideas and thoughts. It
modifies the existing one and put the theories in relationship among the observed phenomena.
It provides a framework which can generalize and guide the data analysis. It measures the
variables which are identified in a study. The theoretical framework establishes a sense of
structure which will guide the research. It develops and clarifies the inherent theories in a clearer
vision.
Theoretical framework helps to reduce the biasness of research theories which can derive the
result of the study. It helps to conceptualize the research problems. Also, it will determine the
basis of the problem and investigate for the specific problem’s solution. It makes the contexts
readable and understandable to the readers.
Sometimes theoretical framework challenges the existing theories which are found in the field of
the research along with so many limitations. Theoretical framework helps to carry away all these
limitations and drawbacks and creates a relationship with the thoughts and ideas of the
researcher. This helps a research to reach and to determine the ultimate result without any errors.
Possibly the problems could be easily understood by the theoretical framework and the solutions
can be found at ease. It provides the frame or structure how a researcher shows and defines
his/her study philosophically, epistemologically and analytically. The derived and the theories
with limitations can be resonated creating relevancy with the thoughts and ideas of the
researchers. It guides the researcher in placing and contextualizing the formal theories in the
research problem and making relationship among the theories. Moreover, theoretical framework
helps a study or research which is under problematic situation.
Theoretical framework allows a researcher to choose the research design and data analysis model
by his own. Also, it helps the researcher to choose the appropriate research model, analytical
tools and procedures for the particular study of the research and determining the accurate result.
It helps to make a research problem more meaningful to the context.
Scholarly discussions of the findings of a research is not possible without the theoretical
framework. Because, theoretical framework generalizes the data and the findings of a research
and makes a relationship among them for creating the relevancy.
Theoretical framework strengthens the purpose of the study. The framework considers the
alternative theories which can challenge the findings of a researcher. It guides the researcher to
define the relationship among the variables systematically and logically. Theoretical framework
helps to use the findings of a specific study in a more informed and effective way.
The framework lists the construct and variable which are relevant to the research. Dividing the
variables and findings in different categories like dependent, independent and intervening it
makes the research problems more easily understandable to the readers.
Theoretical framework reviews the key theories that are introduced in a research by the
researcher and creates relationship among the variables to explain the research problem in a more
organized, logical and easily understandable in the best possible way.
The proper selection of theories and framework makes a research more meaningful in the context
of research work. Theoretical framework holds the theories and variables as a structure to
construct the study in a more effective way and make the theories relevant to the purpose of the
study. Theoretical framework reduces the biasness of a concept and makes it clear that the
research is not conducted for any personal instincts or benefits of the researcher. It convinces that
all the theories and findings of the research is worth supporting and creates no harm to anyone. It
enriches the strength of the study to present the context in a logically and relevantly way as best
as possible.
Supporting a theory and creating relationship among the theories which are existing in the field
and some from the researcher’s concept and ideas and bonding them to show relevancy of
theories and concepts is the main purpose of theoretical framework. Also, it creates guidance for
the researcher and resonate the research from every aspect to support the theories and creating
the easily understandable phenomena for the readers.
Relevancy in research work is very much important to clearly represent the purpose of the study
or research. And theoretical framework does the work in research for creating the relevancy of
everything with everything.
Theoretical framework works as the strongest tool of a research to meaningfully represent the
study. This is why the importance of theoretical framework cannot be finished by describing
thousands of lines.

Developing the Theoretical Framework:

A theoretical framework is collection of topics which are connected with one another, but not
all of the elements are vast to research on. The framework makes a basis of direction to the
research, giving an idea of what should be your future measurements and what data and statistics
you should be collecting in future. The aim is to focus on all the key notes and factors of the
research at a glance like a mind map. This development of the framework is only possible when
you ensure 100% authenticity of your data and theories.
For developing a theoretical framework, some strategies are need to be followed:
 At first the title of your thesis must be decided. The title should be well aligned with the
thesis. The title must be very catchy and easy so that the readers feel curious just by
seeing it. After this you must point out the issues and examine those thoroughly.
 Your entire study should be directing towards the causes, effects of your problem
discussed and your suggestions for solving it. Your research will be based on the
problem. You need to cross check the facts, data and statistics with recent findings not
just old ones.
 Brainstorming about the key variables will give you much more insights and new ideas
for the research. Therefore, you must discover it in creative way to give light to every
single points. While moving you should focus on the reasons behind the events.
 Now literature review is a very essential part of a framework. For this you need to go to
the library and search different kind of encyclopedias and align the information
altogether. This is how you will get your answers easily for the framework.
 Constructs and variables are very crucial parts of any research. The constructs and
variables must be designed in such a way so that the whole framework looks more
polished and logical. These are the key factors which will give the research paper more
relevancy. These variables are of three kinds:

1. Independent variable.
2. Dependent variable.
3. Intervening variable.

 Next you have to make connections among the key theories in your research so that the
readers can get the relevancy of the study. Bring out the logical reasonings to give your
 arguments more strength. Describe the relationships between all the variables in a
flexible way.
 Now you have to provide your own assumptions, propositions and what the study may
offer in future in that field. You must discuss your set of hypothesis and how those
statements can be any help for that field. In a word you must show the key findings and
learning points. Your key findings must be relevant to that area if study.
 The main purpose of a theoretical framework is that it focuses on the specific relevant
datasets and highlights the key points which have good scope of analyzing and
interpreting in future. This framework proves that you understand the concepts according
to the given definitions. This also indicates the building knowledge by validating or
challenging the theoretical assumptions.

This is a simple structure of a theoretical framework:

While developing a theoretical framework these things should be avoided:

1. Irrelevant topics and theories must not be included in the framework.
2. Redundancy, plagiarism and manipulation of data must be avoided.
3. The framework must not be crowded with jumble words and statements which are
difficult to understand must be ignored.
4. The core theories cannot be changed according to researcher’s study.
5. The assumptions must not be something out of the context.

There are some strategies which researcher can follow while developing a theoretical framework.
  For preparatory stage, you must clearly formulate the general outline.
 The specific goal and task must be defined before developing the framework.
 The possibilities of future problems related to the study must be well discussed by the
researcher.
 Selecting basic data and findings of your study which are necessary to connect with other
findings.
 Checking if all the findings are reflected in your study.

Purposes of Theoretical Framework:

Theories are considered to be an established principle, developed for explaining natural

phenomena. The basic purpose of theories is pretty simple, they work as the conceptual basis for
analysis of the phenomena in question, development of hypothesis and better understanding of
the phenomena concerned. It is said that, theoretical framework provides the ground for
investigating any sort of relationships within a specified a boundary. Apart from these, the
purposes served by theoretical framework is mentioned below:

 Storing research data for future use: Whenever we conduct a research, the process of
developing theories around the concerned research topic pushes us to collect data and
process the found data for better understanding of the topic. As the theory matures, the
data used in the development, can serve future researches that have the same research
topic, or if the future research is somewhat related to the concerned research topic.

 Responding to new problems: A well developing theory can serve as a response to a

new problem. When a problem emerges, there are no previously identified response to
that problem. In that situation, previously developed theories can work as a guideline, in
solving the problem.

 Identifying the research problem: Theories can identify the key aspects of the research
problem and breakdown the topic into smaller bits, for the ease of navigation. A research
can’t be dimmed successful if the problem identification process fails to identify the
problem. Previously developed theories help the researchers to effectively identify the
research problem.

 Defining the research problem: If a research problem isn’t well defined, the researchers
will have a hard time to achieve the desired goal. Theories often work as a base of
defining the problem. Previously developed theories help the researchers to understand
the research topic and thereby help in defining the research problem.
 Prescribing solutions: Theories provide a solid ground for the researchers to evaluate
the research problem and suggest effective solutions. Theories are developed, based on
the previously conducted researches. That includes the results and suggestions to the
concerned research topics. So, theories can help them in prescribing solutions to the
existing problems and for the problems in future.

 Identifying the key aspects of research: While conducting research, researchers collect
data and facts. But they don’t know which data and facts are going to be useful to them
and which ones are not. Any accumulated research knowledge is usable if and only if
they are relatable to a specific aspect of a study. Theories help the researchers to find out
which facts or data are crucial to the research and which ones or not. If the theories did
not suggest the researchers about the significance of the found data, the researchers
would find themselves looking for a needle in a big haystack. As the theories point out
the important ones, the researchers don’t have to go about analyzing all the found data on
the research topic, which saves valuable time and effort on the researchers’ part.

 Interpreting the old data: While working with previously collected data, the data must
be interpreted again, in order to eliminate any compatibility issues with the current
research. Theories provide the guidelines to interpret the data in a manner, that any
previously collected data can be made relevant to fit in the current research structure.

 Identifying the key issues to be addressed: There are several questions that need to be
answered, in order to make the research meaningful. In any research, there are some key
questions, the actual purpose of any research is to successfully providing answers to those
key questions. People are not interested in the whole research but the critical questions,
which provide them with the necessary information for better understanding of the topic.
Theories help the researchers to point out those critical questions that need answering.

 Creating references to define the boundary: While conducting the research,

researchers need to identify the boundary of their works and stay within that. If not, then
the whole research would be rendered useless because of the researcher’s failure of
staying relevant to the topic. Whenever a research doesn’t stay relevant to the topic, it
loses its credibility and thereby becomes a prime example of a failed study. To avoid this
kind of situations, researchers need to develop an outline of their study and establish the
boundaries. Theories help the researchers to find the boundaries and thereby helps the
research to stay relevant.

 Guiding the efforts of the researchers: Conducting research can be a mammoth task,
considering the tasks that need to be completed to complete research. If the researchers
are not guided properly, their efforts may end up in vain. Theories can act as a guideline
to all the researchers out there, as theories lay the initial foundation for research by
 explaining the phenomena concerned. This explanation will help the researchers to
understand where to vest their efforts in and thereby guide their actions in conducting the
research.

Different Levels of Theory:

There are three levels of theory depending on its capability to change the world and its general
applicability. These are:

Substantive
level theory

Middle level
theory

Ground level
theory

Fig 1: Levels of theory

Grand Theory:
These types of theories have the capability to change a perception; of how a person views the
world and is able to implement it on further causes. Three major traits of grand theory are:
 Fig 2: Traits of grand theory

For example, Einstein’s Theory of Relativity or Darwin’s theory of Evaluation. These

theories have helped people to understand the world in a way that has shaped their view both on
a central and peripheral level. Even while in an argument these theories even tend to contribute
to a person’s philosophy and belief system. The applications of these theories in relevant fields
are wide.

Middle-Ranges Theories:
These types of theories are precise and limited to their application. These are less likely to
change how a person thinks about this world and rather limited to be implemented in special yet
relevant causes. Three major traits of middle-range theories are:

Fig 3: Traits of middle-range theories.

For example, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs or Two-Factor Theory of Motivation. These

theories are more likely to use in business in order to develop a product that will appeal to certain
needs of humankind. There are more examples of middle-ranged theories that are not related to
business.

Substantive Theories:
These theories are limited to provide information to help understand a certain topic/situation for
a particular amount of time and so, has lesser general acceptability than either grand theories
or middle-ranged theories. Three major traits of substantive theories are:
 Fig 4: Traits of substantive theories.

However, this doesn’t mean that the theories are any less of value but rather it helps us to
understand certain problems and guides through them.

Feasibility of Theoretical Framework in Business:

As of now, if we have understood what theoretical framework is, it should have become very
easy for us to understand how important these are for business. Often, in business, it is important
to sell the right product to the right person. That means, appealing to the needs and wants of
customers. In business, unless a person has a demand for a product, s/he is not going to buy it.
And, if a person is unable to fulfill his/her basic needs, well, it is needless to say that s/he is not
going to buy luxurious products. Maslow’s theory of Hierarchy of Needs, have helped
businessmen to understand the needs of the consumers and appeal to them efficiently. If it hadn’t
been for this theory, it would have become hard for people to understand the needs and wants of
consumers properly.

There are numerous theories that help sellers understand the psychology of a consumer. Not to
mention, how all of these are a factor that affect a business for a certain product. Sellers often try
to implement them in their business. By doing the right, some businesses take the leap and some
take the fall. Well, in simple terms, by not understanding what a consumer wants, companies fail
to exist.

Theories like 4P’s (Product, Place, Promotion and Price) in marketing have helped business
men to develop a product in order to sell them to consumers. Theories in supply chain helped
big companies to understand that everything is a game of time. It is necessary to meet the
demand of the consumers within a short time unless it could cost them a lot. Theories in Finance
and Economy helps a company to stop going into ruins and helps a country to run smoothly.
And all of these are derivative of a successful business. So, in conclusion, it should be needless
to say now that the feasibility of theoretical framework in business is beyond question the most
important thing.
How to develop Theoretical Framework:

Theoretical framework defines the ways to analyze, collect and organize required data before it
is used in the research purpose. By framing the process of doing so and explaining it in the
context a reader can easily understand how the framework was developed and what purpose it
serves. An accurate and precise framework makes it easier for the reader to get the assumptions
required for the research. So, it is clear that how important it is to have a concise development of
the theoretical framework. Let’s have a look at the process to develop theoretical framework for
research purpose.

a. Selecting a concept:
Selecting concept means representing abstract ideas related to the research topic. The first step in
theoretical framework is to define the concept of the research appropriately. It includes the
statement of the problem and the research questionnaires. Often the concept might contain a lot
of keywords and terms. In this step those terms and keywords are also needed to be defined.
For example, in a given case/scenario the researcher would read and find the problems of the
case. Then he would set an objective that he wants to achieve by conducting the research. Based
on that he will select a set of research questions that will be solved throughout the research study
and the terms related to the research will also be defined here.

b. Explain the interrelationship between the concepts:

In a research topic often, the researcher needs to work with multiple concepts together to get the
best result. Multiple concepts sometimes lead to a confusion to the reader as the main aim of the
research may seem lightly illustrated. In order to avoid such confusion, the framework must
contain a clear differentiation and interrelation between the various concepts used.
There may two sorts of relationship between the concepts:

 Rigid/Scientific Relationship:
The solid relationship backed by scientific laws and rules previously proven and accepted by
all. In such a relationship there is no existence of any contradiction.

 Tentative/Hypothetical Relationship:
These relationships are not previously proven nor have any concrete scientific basis. Rather it
is based on various thoughts and hypothesis of various previous researchers and scholars.
c. Showing where the research fits in:
Every research has a specific purpose and a goal that it achieves through vigorous study. It is
important to illustrate the ultimate use of the results of the research in practical or theoretical
field. If there is no specific use of the research in any of the fields then it will simply not draw
any attention of any reader. The results may fit in few of the ways like:
1. Combining various concepts and theories in a new and different way.
2. Challenging any existing concept or theory.
3. Using the result of the research as a basis of explaining different situations.

What to do in Theoretical Framework:

In theoretical framework various other researcher’s data and findings are used to run the study.
So, the following things should be done while doing a theoretical framework.

a. Comparing other researcher’s findings:

In many cases other researchers’ opinions are taken under consideration while running a research
study. It is important to clearly distinguish various opinions of different authors and draw a fine
line between their results.

b. Researchers with similar findings:

The researchers and authors with similar findings should be grouped so that they can be easily
differentiated.

c. Illustrating the disagreements:

All the researchers do not have the same opinion regarding a single topic. In such situation the
point where the authors disagree and the reason for their disagreement should be illustrated
clearly.

d. Featuring the gaps of the research:

Every research study faces hardship at some point and has its own sets of limitation. It is
important to highlight these limitations so that the reader can understand what things needed to
be considered before taking a decision based on the research study.

e. Criticizing different aspects of the methodology:

No process is absolutely perfect. Every process and methods have some sort of disadvantages
and limitations. That is why the author should criticize about the limitations and shortcomings of
the methodology used while conducting the research study.

f. Mentioning the results of visionary studies:

The research field is full of research articles from many different authors. Some of the research
articles brought exemplary findings into the light. In many fields a number of such articles could
be found. So, when conducting a research, an author should mention and talk about some of the
exemplary papers done in that field. It will give the writing an exposure and make it appealing to
the eyes of the readers.

g. Relating the research with the previous studies:

Various research papers of different authors exist on a same topic. As a result, when a new
research study is done one should outline the differences between the previously done studies
and the new study. There is always a correlation between these studies. The author needs to
relate and state these relationships in the content of the research paper.

h. Relating the research with literature in general:

Literature in general means previously done observations and studies in a particular field. Its
sources can be articles, research publication, newspapers, journals etc. A research framework
should relate to the these previously done observations and studies to keep consistency in the
findings of the research.

i. Concluding as per the literature:

The conclusion of a research must be in relation to what the literature says. It will not only give
the reader a uniformity of the topic but also it will help to separate the new findings from the old
ones.
Constructing the Theoretical Framework:

Constructing the theoretical framework is considered to be crucial for a research to be successful

and meaningful to the greater audience. Although there are no fixed step by step ways of
constructing the theoretical framework, but we’ll try to briefly explain the process of
constructing the theoretical framework in a research. Below is the process of theoretical
framework construction:

 Determine the Research Problem:

The key to constructing an effective theoretical framework is to identify and

acknowledge the key problem concerning the study. Veteran in the field suggest that, in
order to conduct a successful research, researchers need to anchor down their concern by
finding out the key research problem. Focusing on the key research problem may help the
researchers to understand the underlying variables better and would also help them to
have a better knowledge of what they are working with. It is important to find a pivoting
point in research, otherwise the whole research may just become an aimless wandering of
some people, looking for nothing specific. So, to build a sound theoretical framework,
researchers need to identify and acknowledge the research problem they are going to
work on.

 Determine the Key Variables in Research:

Upon identifying the key problem, researchers should identify the underlying variables
that are responsible for causing the phenomena. Identifying the factors responsible, is
considered to be the hardest part of any research. It involves the process of collecting data
on various topics and situations, the analysis of the data and finding the correlation
among the collected data. Only after doing such can researchers determine the underlying
factors that contribute to the concerned phenomena. For example, we know, the amount
of water used in winter is lower than that of summer. But the factors that contribute to
this phenomenon are several. It can be the temperature difference, the humidity, the
amount of rain and so on. The key variables of this phenomenon is only identifiable
because, previously conducted research suggested that these factors are responsible for
the usage difference. These key variables are necessary to understand the effects they
have on the research topic. Therefore, researchers suggest to find out the underlying
variables to have a better understanding.
 Review the Literature on the Concerned Topic:

Finding out the theories that align perfectly with the topic that researchers are working on
is a must. This helps to develop a guideline for the works that need to be done for
conducting the research. When literature review is performed, researchers understand the
previously proposed theories and their shortcomings. Which helps them to develop a
theory which overcomes the shortcomings and also covers a new aspect of the study
which was previously not recognized by the researchers. It also helps them by providing
relevant data that are needed to conduct the research. A sound literature review helps the
researchers to efficiently construct an outline of the study. For example, if we want to
conduct a research on the ‘Increasing crime rate of the sub-urban areas’, it is necessary to
review the previously conducted researches on the related topic to have a better
understanding and thereby have a sound knowledge of the topic. It would also help to
develop alternate theories that aligns perfectly with the study, but were not mentioned
earlier in any of the researches.

 Defining the Conceptual Framework:

The concepts that are of great significance to the study must be addressed in the
theoretical framework. While conducting a research, the mental structure that we follow
can be considered as a concept. A concept is not a proven theory, but only an assumption,
related to the theory. While constructing the Theoretical framework, it is suggested that
the researchers should find the concepts that align with the interest with study and
mention them if necessary.

 Defining the Operations:

The works that need to be performed in order to conduct a research must be structured in
a disciplined way, so that the people responsible for conducting the research don’t lose
the track of what they are doing. The operational side of the research defines the works
that need to be done, in order to achieve the desired result. The statistical approach, the
data collection method, the literature review process etc. are mentioned in this section.
While building the theoretical framework, researchers need to be careful about
mentioning all the operations and how they were done so that the future researchers may
have a heads up of what needs to be done.
  Discussing the Propositions:

A sound theoretical framework should discuss about the concerned theories, concepts and
most importantly the proposition, or the assumption. While expressing the proposition,
the researchers must connect the research problem with the theory they are proposing. If
researchers fail to present the relevance of their conducted study with the phenomenon,
the whole research can be considered useless. It is necessary for a research to stay true to
its primary research problem. If the audience cannot find relevance of the study with the
proposed research topic, the credibility of the research of would be at risk. So,
researchers should always express the propositions in a way that the theory they are
proposing have a sound a relevance with the key research problem. Otherwise, the
research may not have the desired effect.

Conclusion:

In today’s world research bears enormous importance. As the time passes, we face more and
more complex problems. Not only the problem gets complex but also the amount of data needed
to be taken under consideration for solving those problems are enormous. As a result, a well-
defined and structured way of research method became a necessity to conduct a proper and
successful research study. At present time, hundreds of research publications are made in span of
month and it is also very difficult to study all these papers. Again, an author should be aware of
the existing studies as well to avoid conducting repetitive works that has been done before. So,
the research process in current time is much more difficult and needs to be done in an organized
way to achieve the best result. Theoretical framework shows us the defined ways to create an
outline that should be followed while conducting a research. It also shapes the whole procedure
of making a research paper from top to bottom which is why an author must have a
comprehensive knowledge on theoretical framework of research.