Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks

THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS
Introduction
The term theory and hypothesis are commonly used interchangeably in non academic
settings.
In academic usage, hypothesis is a specific testable prediction about what one expects to
happen in a study.
For example, an experiment designed to examine the relationship between study habits and
test anxiety, might have hypothesis as: “we predict that students with better study habits will
suffer less test anxiety”.
Commonly hypothesis should always explain what one expects to happen during the course of
the study.
Meaning of Theoretical Framework

A theoretical framework is the structure that can support a theory of a research study. It is the
basis for conducting research and is used to explain why the problem under study exists
(Mugenda: 54)
It comprises the structure which already exists in the literature and describes the theory that
explains why the research problem under study exists
It consists of concepts and, together with their definitions and reference to relevant scholarly
literature, existing theory that is used for a particular study.
A theoretical framework is most often not something readily found within the literature.
A researcher must review literature and pertinent research studies for theories and analytical
models relevant to the problem under investigation
Examples of common theories include: rational choice theory; grounded theory and critical race
theory.
The nature of a theoretical framework

A theoretical framework may be rooted in a specific theory, in which case the study is to set
the validity of that existing theory in relation to specific events/ issues.
It is easier to understand the nature and function of a theoretical framework viewed as an
answer to the basic questions:
1
a) what is the research problem / question? How should one deal with the problem?
b) why is the approach a feasible solution? This calls for the need to justify the
application of the choice of a particular theory and explains why alternative constructs
were rejected
Some significance of a theoretical framework includes:
i) It limits the scope of relevant data, guides and informs research to give old data new
interpretations and new meanings.
ii) Theoretical assumptions permit the reader to prescribe or evaluate solutions to
research problems more critically.
iii) Connects the researcher to existing knowledge and further discerns certain facts
among the accumulated knowledge
iv) Addresses questions of why and how, to enable a researcher tom identify important
new issues and prescribes the most critical research questions
How to develop a theoretical; framework
i) A researcher must examine him/ her proposal/ thesis tittle and contents of the
research problem which anchors the entire study and forms their basis from which to
construct the study’s theoretical framework.
ii) There is need to consider key variables in the study which should be geared to
answering the question: “What factors contribute to the presumed effect?”
iii) A researcher has to thoroughly review the related literature to find out how other
authors have handled research problem, to identify the assumptions from which these
authors have addressed the problem
iv) Review key social science theories that are introduced in the readings and select the
theory that could best explain the relationships between key variables in the study
v) Discus the assumptions or propositions of the theory pointing out their relevance to
the current research
Definition of theory
 A theory is more than a mere collection of data, facts or empirical findings. Theories
transcend constructs and include proportions, explanations and boundary conditions.
 While data, facts and findings operate at a conceptual level, and are based on logic rather
than observations.
 The term theory is from the Greek term “theoria” meaning contemplation or speculation.
 It is a set of accepted beliefs or organized principles which explain and guide analysis.
 It is an explanation to the social behavior which incorporates facts, laws, predictions and
tested assumptions that are widely accepted
2
 It is also conceptual basis for understanding, analyzing and designing ways to investigate
relationships within social systems
Nature of a theory
 Commonly theories arise from repeated observations and testing, and are formulated to
explain, predict and understand phenomena
 In contrast, explanations require understanding of cause – effect relationship
 The establishment of causation requires three conditions:
i. Correlation between two contracts
ii. Temporal precedence i.e. the cause must precede the effect in time
iii. Rejection of alternative hypothesis (through testing)
 Explanations can be ideographic or nomothetic. Ideographic explanations elucidate a
situation in idiosyncratic detail. E.g. a candidate failed an exam due to:
i. He /She forgot the exam date
ii. Was late due to traffic jam
iii. Panicked during exam
iv. Did not study well
v. Had no books for revision
 Theses examples, though detail, accurate and valid, but they may not imply to other
similar situations, even involving the same person, and cannot be generalized.
 In contrast, monothetic explanations explain a class of situations or events rather than a
specific situation or event
 For example, students who do poorly in exam do so, because they did not spend adequate
time preparing for exams or that they suffer from nervousness, attention deficit or some
other medical disorders.
 That is, nomothetic explanations are designed to be generalized across situations or
people. They tend to be less precise, less compete and less detailed
 Thus, theories are generally nomothetic in nature because they are meant to serve as
widespread explanations for patterns of events or behavior theoretical explanations
…………END………….

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THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS

Meaning of Theoretical Framework

The nature of a theoretical framework

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