Theoretical framework and conceptual framework are both critically important parts of doctoral research studies, particularly in the field of social, management and behavioral sciences, used interchangeably, nonetheless, they serve diverse purposes and have distinct characteristics.
While a theoretical framework defines the theoretical underpinnings of your work based on existing research theories, a conceptual framework allows you to draw your own conclusions, plotting the variables you may use in your study and the interplay between them.
This blog post delineates some of the major differences between theoretical and conceptual frameworks.
Theoretical Framework:
- A theoretical framework is a structured set of theories and ideas that provide a lens for understanding the phenomenon you are studying.
- It is often derived from existing theories in the field and helps to establish the context and theoretical underpinning of your research.
- It is more abstract and textual and focus on explaining why certain relationships or phenomena exist.
- It provides a foundation for developing research hypotheses and guiding data collection and analysis.
- A theoretical framework is typically broader and less specific to a particular study compared to a conceptual framework.
- It helps researchers to situate their study within the existing body of knowledge in their field. Conceptual Framework:
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- A conceptual framework, on the other hand, is a more specific and practical tool used to define and structure the variables or concepts of interest in a particular study.
- It outlines the key variables, their relationships, and the expected outcomes in a specific research context.
- A conceptual framework is often developed by the researcher to guide the research process and analysis for a specific study.
- It helps in defining the scope of the study and provides a clear roadmap for data collection and analysis.
- While it may draw upon elements of a theoretical framework, a conceptual framework is narrower and more tailored to the research question at hand.
- It is more diagrammatic, subtle, and explicit.
Some of the key differences between theoretical framework and conceptual frameworks are elucidated in the following:
Difference between Theoretical Framework and Conceptual Framework
Theoretical Framework | Conceptual Framework |
It is based on a theory. | It is based on concepts/variables. |
It can be established with just one theory. | In a conceptual framework, various concepts are included. |
It is built upon an existing theory or theories. | It is more concerned with the approach a researcher uses to address a research question. |
It is based on one or more theories that emerged from the findings of multiple studies. | It identifies variables that affect a specific field. |
It is generally used in qualitative studies | It is used in quantitative studies. |
It gives a broad explanation of the relationships among various concepts in a theory. | It includes the specific direction that the research will need to take. |
It is more textual. | It is diagrammatic.
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In a nutshell, the main difference between theoretical and conceptual frameworks lies in their scope and purpose. A theoretical framework provides a broad, theoretical foundation for understanding a topic or research area within a field of study, while a conceptual framework is more specific and serves as a practical tool for configuring the variables and their relationships in a particular research study. Researchers often use both frameworks in conjunction to conduct meaningful and well-structured research.
What do you think?