The main structure or the theoretical framework positively is often considered to be one of the key elements of a particular research task. In our blog, this framework shapes the origin of your research and leads to the explanation of problem creation. It shows circumstances and offers the justification for the research.
Theoretical background is important, if it is missing, research can be completely random and senseless. It may therefore result in the inability to so easily analyze and explain results that are obtained. This blog guides you how to write a theoretical framework. By following these guidelines you can achieve best in your research.
Writing Theoretical Framework: Step-by-step Guide
The initiation of any theoretical framework shall first present the key theories. These set the background in which a sound argument shall be developed to ensure that your research is deep enough. To start, follow some steps outlined below:
Identify Your Research Problem
Start by identifying the central question or problem that will be the subject of your research. Suppose you’re studying social inequality in the context of sociology. The problem your research tries to address could be that some groups are facing a lot of disadvantages regarding certain spheres.
Relevant theories
Look for theories that have usually been used in past studies relating to your problem. If your research is based on economic systems, you may look at using the theory by Adam Smith on capitalism or Keynesian economics.
Defend Your Choice
Describe why the theory applies to your research. How does it explain an understanding of your research problem? For example, you may wish to choose symbolic interactionism in sociology to explore the ways people develop meanings in social situations.
Theoretical Concepts Outline
Explore fundamental ideas or theories and explain how each of them concerns your study. You can provide a context and frame an understanding when it is being applied.
Looking for Research Paper Writer?
- Precise & Accurate Data Collection
- Research Power House
- 100% Unique Results
- Professional Writers
- Affordable Prices
- Editing & Proofreading
Strategies for Developing the Theoretical Framework
A developed theoretical framework helps in presenting a path for the study that you are conducting. The following are some strategies that will help you build a theoretical framework.
Review Literature
Study in-deep literature review of what already appears in your research field. For example, if your topic is from a sociological background, then read research papers and studies conducted on topics like your subject. It will provide you with a fair deal of understanding regarding which theories will be most applicable.
Compare Theories
Sometimes, a research problem can be explained with the help of different theories. Suppose your research problem is related to economic inequality, then you will consider both the Marxist and neoclassical theories to influence which explanation fits best.
Mention the Variable
Your theoretical framework should outline some of the key variables that will help to guide your research. These should be clearly defined and related to the theory you are using. Continuing with the sociology example, if you were looking at issues of educational outcomes, your variables might include things like socio-economic status and access to resources.
Relate to Hypotheses
The theoretical framework shall help in the development of your hypotheses. For history, for example, you might connect a theory of imperialism to a hypothesis regarding how colonial expansion took shape to mold global politics.
Format of a Theoretical Framework
Since you have understood the importance of the theoretical framework, here are some steps to write one:
Literature Review
Read literature in the field of your research. For example, in sociology, you would read works done previously on how education and job opportunities influence mobility.
Select a Theory
Select a theory first which relates your problem. Assuming we are continuing with the example of economics, you can select game theory. Game theory will help you study interactive competitive behavior in markets.
Define Significant Terms
Clearly define the key terms of the theory. In the case of applying the concept of cultural capital in educational research, you as a writer have to define what is meant by the terms cultural capital and social reproduction.
Explain Relevance
Describe how the theory applies or relates to your research. If you are going to study the impact that colonialism has caused on Indigenous people in history, you need to elaborate on how postcolonialism theory would help analyze such colonial rule legacy.
Connect to Research Questions
Make sure your theoretical framework is completely linked with your research questions or theories. For example, if your research question is how economic policy determines poverty, the framework should explain how theories of economics would help you answer such a question.
Structure a Theoretical Framework
Structuring a theoretical framework involves organizing the key elements of your chosen theory and explaining how they apply to your research. The following is a simple outline you can follow:
Introduction
Introduce briefly the theory or theories that you will be using in the research. For example, if you are studying gender inequality, you can introduce feminist theory as the basis of your framework.
Key Concepts
Define major concepts of the theory. If you are using structural functionalism in sociology, for example, you would define what is meant by such terms as social order and balance.
Relationship to Research Problem
Clearly explain how the theory is related to your research problem. In an income distribution study for example, you would be explaining how neoclassical economics contributes to formulating your study on income distribution.
Hypotheses or Research Questions
Your theoretical framework should always flow straight into your research issues or theories. For example, if your subject is globalization throughout history, then your research question could revolve around how international trade routes influenced colonial expansion.
Theoretical Frameworks Vs Conceptual Frameworks
Theoretically, a lot of research confuses frameworks with conceptual ones. Here are some differences:
Theoretical Framework
A theoretical framework is based on existing theories. It provides a logical explanation, in a structured format, of the how and why of events happening. For example, you will take the supply and demand theory in your study relating to market behavior.
Conceptual Framework
It is, however, a more flexible conceptual framework that usually involves some set of concepts copied from other different theories. It provides a bigger framework with which to explain the approach that a certain researcher will use in solving a problem. For instance, in sociology, you could take conflict theory and integrate it with social exchange theory as a way of describing the balance of power observed in relationships.
Application to Research
You will require a theoretical framework when your research is based on testing a theory or developing one further. Conceptual frameworks can be useful when you try to view a problem from different perspectives.
Examples of Theoretical Frameworks
Theoretical frameworks would be better understood by taking real-world examples. Presented below are examples of some samples from various academic disciplines:
Sociology: Conflict Theory
Conflict theory, formulated by Karl Marx, defines the struggle between social classes. In research on social inequality, this theory explains how power and resources in society are not distributed equitably.
Economics: Rational Choice Theory
Rational choice theory assumes that individuals choose certain actions over others depending on the utility or payoff they get. This can also be used in economics research to study consumer behavior, market competition, or even decision-making in business environments.
History: Historical Materialism
Karl Marx developed a theoretical framework called historical materialism that advances the role played by economic forces in shaping history. For this reason, you can apply this theory to explain how capitalism brought about the Industrial Revolution.
Psychology: Social Learning Theory
Social learning theory posits the process by which people learn certain behavioral development through observation. This concept applies in common use within child development studies and those concerning behaviors.
The Role of Theoretical Frameworks in Research
Why does a student need a theoretical framework? Well, a theoretical framework bears several very important functions while researching, including the following:
Guides Research Design
The theoretical framework gives direction to your research design on which methodology to apply, what data to collect, and what kind of data analysis to perform. For example, on consumer decisions, if you apply behavioral economics, the framework will help you narrow down on individual choice and market dynamics.
Provides Context
A theoretical framework is a general structure that describes the perspective within which your study fits into the larger body of established theories. For example, in sociology, this could be the utility of social capital theory to explain how community networks would impact a person’s success.
Credible Research
If you utilize a better framework it will make your research more credible. This will inform you that your study has a basis on existing knowledge and theory. For example, if your psychology research is hinged on ecological systems theory, you have satisfied your base with scholarly works.
Final Thoughts About Theoretical Framework
Writing a theoretical framework isn’t as complicated as most students may imagine. By following these steps in this blog, you are guaranteed to have a good framework that includes all three: structure, context, and credibility in your research.
A well-prepared theoretical framework will guide you in your research if it’s related to sociology, history, or economics; the success of the research is certain. Our website is friendly to the student, with comprehensively provided and simplified content for success.
From research writing to essay structure, and difficult concepts, our website guides you step by step. This platform ensures the accessibility and friendliness of resources to students for learning confidence and skills that will help in their academic journey.
