thesis with theoretical framework pdf

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Isf 189 & 190: thesis: theoretical frameworks.

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Theoretical/conceptual Frameworks

"Theoretical frameworks provide a particular perspective, or lens, through which to examine a topic. There are many different lenses, such as psychological theories, social theories, organizational theories and economic theories, which may be used to define concepts and explain phenomena.   Sometimes these frameworks may come from an area outside of your immediate academic discipline .  Using a theoretical framework for your dissertation can help you to better analyze past events by providing a particular set of questions to ask, and a particular perspective to use when examining your topic." 1 

Articles and books that incorporate theoretical or conceptual frameworks aren't consistently tagged with terminology that allows them to be easily fournd in literature searches. Searching for these terms in the full text of the articles may surface some. Superior indexing in some databases may include subject headings or descriptors that tag a work with its theoretical framework, but that is not very common.  As there is no simple way to identify frameworks you might use for your own research project, persistent and creative searching in the literature, as well as extensive reading, may be your best option. 

1 Bezet, Amanda. “Researching Theoretical Frameworks.” Accessed January 24, 2023. https://resources.nu.edu/researchprocess/theoreticalframeworks .

Additional Resources: 

The Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper guide at USC is an excellent resource for understanding and applying theoretical frameworks.

Anfara, Vincent, and Norma Mertz. Theoretical Frameworks in Qualitative Research . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc., 2006. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781412986335 .

The Theoretical Frameworks research guide at National University Library includes an online tutorial on researching theoretical and conceptual frameworks.

Grant, Cynthia, and Azadeh Osanloo. “ Understanding, Selecting, and Integrating a Theoretical Framework in Dissertation Research: Creating the Blueprint for Your ‘House .’” Administrative Issues Journal Education Practice and Research 4, no. 2 (2014): 12–26. 

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• Last Updated: Mar 12, 2024 3:02 PM
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Guide for Thesis Research

• Introduction to the Thesis Process
• Project Planning
• Literature Review
• Theoretical Frameworks
• Research Methodology
• GC Honors Program Theses
• Thesis Submission Instructions This link opens in a new window
• Accessing Guilford Theses from 1898 to 2020 This link opens in a new window

Some Articles About Theory

The following are articles that may help you understand the importance of theory as a fundamental aspect of academic research.

• It's Just a Theory
• Literature Reviews, Conceptual Frameworks, and Theoretical Frameworks: Terms, Functions, and Distinctions
• Use of Theoretical Frameworks in Research

Why is theory important?

Theories reflect previous study and analysis that has been conducted in your field.  They propose explanations for phenomena that occur in an area of study. Over time, theories are reexamined, refined, and sometimes discarded in favor of new ones, always with the purpose of providing ever more accurate explanations for the dynamics that operate in our world.

The following quote, taken from John Kuada's book Research Methodology: A Project Guide for University Students , helps to explain the importance of theory when developing a research project:

“Theory provides the language, the concepts, and assumptions that help researchers to make sense of the phenomenon that they seek to investigate. It enables researchers to connect the issues they are investigating to the existing body of knowledge in the area” (Kuada, 2012, p. 64).

A theory can help researchers make predictions about the phenomena they are setting out to study. They can be informative in terms of determining what variables should be observed, as well as how data should be collected, analyzed, and interpreted on the way to presenting and justifying conclusions. 

As a researcher working on a project, it is essential that you be aware of theories that have gained prominence in your field. Think of scholarship as an ongoing conversation. As people publish ideas and develop theories, they help shape that conversation. When you do research and present your findings and ideas, you are joining in on those discussions. You become a contributor. Therefore, it is good to have a sense of what has been said before.

Identify major theories in your field. Be conscious of the fundamental concepts that have guided scholars in your area, and be aware of emerging perspectives and trends. Try to identify a theoretical base from which you can develop your arguments. This will greatly strengthen your positions when the time comes to present your thesis.

Resources About Theory and Theoretical Frameworks

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• Dissertation

Example Theoretical Framework of a Dissertation or Thesis

Published on 8 July 2022 by Sarah Vinz . Revised on 10 October 2022.

Your theoretical framework defines the key concepts in your research, suggests relationships between them, and discusses relevant theories based on your literature review .

A strong theoretical framework gives your research direction, allowing you to convincingly interpret, explain, and generalise from your findings.

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Table of contents

Sample problem statement and research questions, sample theoretical framework, your theoretical framework, frequently asked questions about sample theoretical frameworks.

Your theoretical framework is based on:

• Your problem statement
• Your research questions
• Your literature review

To investigate this problem, you have zeroed in on the following problem statement, objective, and research questions:

• Problem : Many online customers do not return to make subsequent purchases.
• Objective : To increase the quantity of return customers.
• Research question : How can the satisfaction of the boutique’s online customers be improved in order to increase the quantity of return customers?

The concepts of ‘customer loyalty’ and ‘customer satisfaction’ are clearly central to this study, along with their relationship to the likelihood that a customer will return. Your theoretical framework should define these concepts and discuss theories about the relationship between these variables.

Some sub-questions could include:

• What is the relationship between customer loyalty and customer satisfaction?
• How satisfied and loyal are the boutique’s online customers currently?
• What factors affect the satisfaction and loyalty of the boutique’s online customers?

As the concepts of ‘loyalty’ and ‘customer satisfaction’ play a major role in the investigation and will later be measured, they are essential concepts to define within your theoretical framework .

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Below is a simplified example showing how you can describe and compare theories. In this example, we focus on the concept of customer satisfaction introduced above.

Customer satisfaction

Thomassen (2003, p. 69) defines customer satisfaction as ‘the perception of the customer as a result of consciously or unconsciously comparing their experiences with their expectations’. Kotler and Keller (2008, p. 80) build on this definition, stating that customer satisfaction is determined by ‘the degree to which someone is happy or disappointed with the observed performance of a product in relation to his or her expectations’.

Performance that is below expectations leads to a dissatisfied customer, while performance that satisfies expectations produces satisfied customers (Kotler & Keller, 2003, p. 80).

The definition of Zeithaml and Bitner (2003, p. 86) is slightly different from that of Thomassen. They posit that ‘satisfaction is the consumer fulfillment response. It is a judgement that a product or service feature, or the product of service itself, provides a pleasurable level of consumption-related fulfillment.’ Zeithaml and Bitner’s emphasis is thus on obtaining a certain satisfaction in relation to purchasing.

Thomassen’s definition is the most relevant to the aims of this study, given the emphasis it places on unconscious perception. Although Zeithaml and Bitner, like Thomassen, say that customer satisfaction is a reaction to the experience gained, there is no distinction between conscious and unconscious comparisons in their definition.

The boutique claims in its mission statement that it wants to sell not only a product, but also a feeling. As a result, unconscious comparison will play an important role in the satisfaction of its customers. Thomassen’s definition is therefore more relevant.

Thomassen’s Customer Satisfaction Model

According to Thomassen, both the so-called ‘value proposition’ and other influences have an impact on final customer satisfaction. In his satisfaction model (Fig. 1), Thomassen shows that word-of-mouth, personal needs, past experiences, and marketing and public relations determine customers’ needs and expectations.

These factors are compared to their experiences, with the interplay between expectations and experiences determining a customer’s satisfaction level. Thomassen’s model is important for this study as it allows us to determine both the extent to which the boutique’s customers are satisfied, as well as where improvements can be made.

Figure 1 Customer satisfaction creation 

Of course, you could analyse the concepts more thoroughly and compare additional definitions to each other. You could also discuss the theories and ideas of key authors in greater detail and provide several models to illustrate different concepts.

A theoretical framework can sometimes be integrated into a  literature review chapter , but it can also be included as its own chapter or section in your dissertation . As a rule of thumb, if your research involves dealing with a lot of complex theories, it’s a good idea to include a separate theoretical framework chapter.

While a theoretical framework describes the theoretical underpinnings of your work based on existing research, a conceptual framework allows you to draw your own conclusions, mapping out the variables you may use in your study and the interplay between them.

A literature review and a theoretical framework are not the same thing and cannot be used interchangeably. While a theoretical framework describes the theoretical underpinnings of your work, a literature review critically evaluates existing research relating to your topic. You’ll likely need both in your dissertation .

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Vinz, S. (2022, October 10). Example Theoretical Framework of a Dissertation or Thesis. Scribbr. Retrieved 22 April 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/example-theoretical-framework/

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Designing theoretical and conceptual framework Contributions to thesis writing evaluation

the key argument of this paper is that both conceptual and theoretical frameworks serve different purposes and they are different-conceptually, methodologically and with regard to the scope of their application. conceptual framework is the researcher's idea on how the research problem will have to be explored.

Related Papers

Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies

Ronald Mensah

This article critically discusses, the relationship between conceptual framework and theoretical framework drawing on their differences and similarities. The article has made it very clear that whereas the theoretical framework is drawn from the existing theoretical literature that you review about your research topic, a conceptual framework is a much broader concept that encompasses practically all aspects of your research. The latter refers to the entire conceptualisation of your research project. It is the big picture, or vision, comprising the totality of research. Methodologically, the paper used systematic and experiential literature review to draw supporting scholarly literature by authorities in the field and made inferences, sound reasonings and logical deductions from these authorities. The primary aim of this paper is to help researchers and students to understand the convergence and the divergence of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in order to appropriately be applied in research and academic writing discourses. Understanding the conceptual framework affects research in many ways. For instance, it assists the researcher in identifying and constructing his/her worldview on the phenomenon to be investigated. Also, it is the simplest way through which a researcher presents his/her asserted remedies to the milieu he/she has created. In addition, this accentuates the reasons why a research topic is worth studying, the assumptions of a researcher, the scholars he/she agrees with and disagrees with and how he/she conceptually grounds his/her approach. Paying attention, to the theoretical framework and its impact on research, it can be mentioned that theoretical framework provides a structure for what to look for in the data, for how you think of how what you see in the data fits together, and helps you to discuss your findings more clearly, in light of what existing theories say. It helps the researcher to make connections between the abstract and concrete elements observed in the data. In conclusion, both theoretical framework and conceptual framework are good variables which are used to inform a study to arrive at logical findings and conclusions. It is therefore recommended by researchers that; a good theoretical framework should be capable of informing the concepts in a research work.

Jeanette Berman

The author of this paper provides an example of a conceptual framework that supported her doctoral study and written dissertation in the field of educational psychology. The study was carried out prior to the more recent explicit emphasis on conceptual frameworks in postgraduate research texts and academic literature. The instigation for the development of an explicit conceptual framework was a change in supervisors and their need to be meaningfully included in the journey of the student. The conceptual framework supported the explanation of the multiple theoretical frameworks and literature base, as well as the professional educational context of the study. It also explicitly responded to the literature search in each area, clearly articulating theory and practice in school curriculum and assessment. This in turn supported the definition of research themes and research questions, and the research methodology (data gathering and analysis), from which the meaningful consideration of ...

Sains Insani

Nabilah Abdullah

Constructing a conceptual framework has always been a problem for many postgraduate students. Even though the students are exposed to many different tools as well as guided with 21st-century skills along the process of conducting research, many of them are seeking helps to complete their postgraduate studies in stages. A solid conceptual framework is an output of conducting a literature review. The construction of a conceptual framework involves multiple research skills. To meet the requirement of thesis completion, supervisors are always emphasizing the implementation of these skills as well as finding the best practice while addressing challenges of guiding them to understand and construct a conceptual framework. Meanwhile, the supervisors must get a better picture of how their postgraduate students undergo the process of constructing a conceptual framework from their literature review. Hence, the thesis supervisors need to understand a better way for helping them to achieve the ...

Abey Dubale

Dayana Mastura, FCCA(UK), MBA

Otolaryngology online

Balasubramanian Thiagarajan

This book has been authored with PhD scholars in mind. The author believes that this would be a good starting point for these scholars. The following chapters have been included: Chapters: 1. Introduction to Thesis Writing 2. Choosing a Topic and Developing a Thesis Statement 3. Conducting Literature Review 4. Methodology and Data Collection 5. Writing the Introduction and Background of Your Thesis 6. Presenting Your Findings and Analysis 7. Writing the Discussion and Conclusion of Your Thesis 8. Formatting and Structuring Your Thesis 9. Referencing and Citations 10. Defending Your Thesis: Preparing for the Viva Voce 11. Revising and Editing Your Thesis 12. Time Management and Staying on Track 13. Overcoming Writer's Block and Staying Motivated 14. Using Technology and Tools to Enhance Your Thesis Writing Process 15. Publishing Your Thesis and Next Steps. 16. Data visualization 17. Statistical tools This book also contains tips about choosing an ideal thesis topic. It also warns the student about the various pitfalls involved in choosing a research topic. The topic on referencing citations would be very useful for even a novice researcher. This book also introduces the researcher to the myriad of software tools that are available to the scholar. Using these software tools would make the life of the researcher that much easier.

Ewnetu Tamene

The impetus of this paper is the irreplaceable role yet confusing use of the term " conceptual framework " in research literature. Even though, there is a consensus among scholars of various field of study that conceptual framework is essential element of research endeavors, yet it is used interchangeably with theoretical framework, that create confusion. As a PhD student on the pre-proposal work, this makes me more anxious. Then my intent is to explore its conceptual meaning and purposes by bringing together similar meanings from different scholars with a view to shed some light on its understanding and its use in research. Hence, in attempting to address this, the following key terms; Concept, conceptual framework research design and theoretical framework are defined briefly as to help decipher the conceptual ties among them and illuminate the conceptual meaning and purpose of conceptual framework. The schematic representation of conceptual framework is developed based on the conceptual meaning provided by scholars. In doing this it is attempted to show conceptual meaning of conceptual framework in relation to research design, paradigms and philosophical assumptions that delineate it from theoretical framework. Conceptual framework serves essential role in inductive research design, while theoretical framework serves similar role in deductive research design.

Martin Otundo Richard

ABSTRACT A number of researchers either in scientific, social or academic researchers have found it difficult to differentiate between the theoretical and conceptual framework and their importance. This is a simple overview of the basic differences and some similarities between the theoretical and conceptual framework that is aimed at helping the learners and other researchers get a fast grasp of what can help them use the two effectively in their studies. A summary has been provided at the last part of the document that can aid one get the required information in his or her research.

Njinga & Sepé Journal

REVISTA (JOURNAL) NJINGA e SEPE (ISSN:2764-1244)

The primary objective of this research paper is to introduce a conceptual framework that can serve as a guide for research development in the Field of languages and applied linguistics, particularly in the context of teaching at higher education. This conceptual framework was devised by doctoral students during the early stages of their research. One of the key aims of the conceptual framework is to help Doctorate students grasp the significance of having a well-defined conceptual framework in research. It enables them to understand how a conceptual framework serves as a foundation for their studies and helps them organize and structure their research effectively. Furthermore, the research paper emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating existing conceptual frameworks in modern research. By engaging in this critical analysis, Doctorate students can identify the strengths and weaknesses of different frameworks and gain insights into how to develop a more comprehensive and dynamic conceptual framework. Another crucial aspect covered in the research paper is the assessment of the impact of a conceptual framework on research outcomes. This text highlights the importance of understanding how a conceptual framework affects research and its outcomes. It states that a research paper aims to provide guidelines for creating and utilizing a conceptual framework, specifically for Doctorate students. The paper includes explanatory texts that explain the theory behind the framework, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its principles and concepts. Overall, the text presents a conceptual framework for research development in languages and applied linguistics, particularly in the context of teaching at a Higher education.

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Green Chemistry

One-pot furfural production from sustainable biomass-derived sugars using a functionalized covalent organic framework as a heterogeneous catalyst †.

* Corresponding authors

a State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Qilu University of Technology, Jinan, China E-mail: [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected]

b Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control of Guangxi, College of Light Industrial and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China

This paper reports an innovative work on the green production of furfural using a covalent organic framework (COF), thereby expanding the range of catalysts in the furfural manufacturing industry and achieving efficient production of furfural from sustainable biomass-derived sugars. The research results will provide a theoretical basis for the green and sustainable production of furfural.

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One-pot furfural production from sustainable biomass-derived sugars using a functionalized covalent organic framework as a heterogeneous catalyst

P. Gan, K. Zhang, Z. Li, C. Zhang, G. Yang, L. Zhang, B. Wang and J. Chen, Green Chem. , 2024, Advance Article , DOI: 10.1039/D4GC00643G

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