Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks

As part of a recent assignment to critique a journal article, one of the objectives was to identify the use of a theoretical framework in the research. Some were clearly identified, while others were never mentioned. As I read through the articles, I wondered how does a person determine the appropriate theoretical framework from the vast number that is available? And what about conceptual frameworks? How do these fit into the research?

Although the terms theoretical and conceptual framework are sometimes used interchangeably, the terms are not synonymous. Theoretical frameworks are broad generalizations that guide the researcher in the research process. It “provides a large, overarching structure of ideas that the researcher can then draw from in beginning to analyze a phenomenon or a text” (Zamboni, n.d.); not all components of the framework are necessarily examined. The conceptual framework is a “set of specific ideas that can be used within the larger theoretical framework” (Zamboni, n.d.). It is much narrower in scope and provides detail and direction to the research variables.

So how does someone go about deciding which framework to use? There is no shortcut to doing this. In all the articles I read around this topic, the process was consistent as being part of the literature review. In order to determine a suitable framework, the researcher must immerse themselves in the existing research and discover what has been used to guide previous research and the circumstances around that research. Some frameworks are specific to a certain field while others may be interdisciplinary. The bottom line is: read, read, and read some more in order to become familiar with your chosen topic of interest.

Reference:

Zamboni, J. (n.d.). Difference between conceptual and theoretical framework. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/info_8769890_difference-between-conceptual-theoretical-framework.html