A theoretical framework consists of concepts and their definitions, as well as relevant existing theory/theories. The theoretical framework must demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and ideas pertinent to the topic of your research paper and how they link to the class's greater areas of knowledge.
The theoretical underpinnings of the study are not readily available in the literature. You must comb through your course readings and relevant research materials in order to identify theories and analytic models that are appropriate to the subject of your research. When selecting a theory, its applicability should be evaluated. As a result, the theoretical framework includes the chosen theory (or theories) that drive your thinking about how you understand and intend to explore your subject, as well as the key concepts and terminology from that theory. Students, we feel, should select and specify a theoretical framework as soon as the dissertation topic is initiated .
Theoretical development indicates how the researcher evolved from intuition and "pre-theoretical commitments" to a stable foundation for interpreting and conceptualizing a topic within the framework of the investigation. Theoretical development indicates how the researcher evolved from intuition and "pre-theoretical commitments" to a stable foundation for interpreting and conceptualizing a topic within the framework of the investigation. A excellent blueprint is extremely detailed in its depiction of the subject. Similarly, a strong theoretical framework will give the reader with sufficient knowledge to appreciate how the researcher constructed the study. It specifies the perspective the researcher should take while evaluating and interpreting the data that will be obtained, as well as how the researcher should narrow the scope of relevant data by focusing on a single variable. It aids in the comprehension of concepts and variables defined by provided definitions and generate new knowledge through the validation and testing of theoretical assumptions.
It assists in answering the "how" and "why" questions by articulating the theoretical assumptions underlying a study.
All investigations require a theoretical framework in order to more precisely define the implicit theory. Additionally, it may prompt researchers to consider their own limitations as well as other hypotheses that contradict their own. It is the first thing that all academic supervisors seek for, and it enables them to gain a better understanding of the study problem by providing the necessary theoretical foundation.
A theory can aid you in detecting the generalizations' limitations. A theoretical framework identifies the critical variables that influence observed phenomena and emphasizes the importance of determining how and when those critical variables differ. The degree to which theory is utilized and interwoven throughout a research effort varies from "low" to "high." In our experience, a more explicitly articulated and integrated theory is employed throughout the dissertation.
The importance of employing a theoretical framework in a dissertation study cannot be overstated. The theoretical framework serves as the foundation for all knowledge in a research endeavor (metaphorically and literally). It includes the rationale for the study, the problem description, the purpose, the significance, and the research questions. The theoretical framework acts as the foundation, or anchor, for the literature review, methodology development, and analysis.
The theoretical framework builds the study in the following ways:
1) A concise description of theoretical assumptions enables the reader to conduct a critical analysis.
2) The theoretical framework connects the researcher to prior knowledge. You will be provided with a theoretical framework upon which to build your theories and research approaches.
3) Defining the theoretical assumptions for a research investigation compels you to address why and how questions. It enables you to progress from merely describing a phenomenon to making broad generalizations about its various characteristics.
4) Possessing a theory enables you to recognize the limitations of such broad strokes. A theoretical framework is used to specify the critical variables that influence an observed occurrence. It encourages you to analyze how and under what circumstances those critical characteristics might vary.
As a result, this article will provide an introduction of theoretical frameworks and will outline a process for comprehending, selecting, and applying theoretical frameworks into dissertation research.