Handout # 12
Department of Education
Region III
BONIFACIO V. ROMERO HIGH SCHOOL
Pulung Cacutud, Angeles City
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
SY 2019-2020
PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2
THE CONCEPTUAL/THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
WHAT IS A FRAMEWORK?
A framework is similar to
a skeleton. It is a basic
structure or frame of
reference which is
designed to support or
enclose something
(Merriam-Webster, n.d.).
As a skeleton gives
shape, form, and
strength to the body so it
can stand erect, so do
the different concepts
and theories. These
concepts and theories
serve as the building blocks (or the "skeleton") for the foundation or bases of the study.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The theoretical framework which may be formulated from an existing theory/ies Sets as the
foundation of the study. In such case, the paradigm that is originally used by the theorist can be fully
adopted in the present study. It can also be adapted since the researcher can add or subtract
variables from the original framework, provided that the whole theory is utilized.
The word "theory is derived from the Greek word, theoria, which means "vision:' A theory, a
conceptual idea that is used to describe, explain, predict, or understand a certain phenomenon. It
defines non-observable constructs that are inferred from observable facts and events that, thought to
have an effect on the phenomenon under study A theory describes the relationships among variables
for purposes of explaining a current state or predicting future events. therefore, is primarily concerned
with determining cause-effect relationships. Thus, a good theory expands vision and guides thinking,
professional practice, and research. In the formulation of a theoretical framework, relevant theories
must be provided. The researcher cites and discusses related theories that serve as the foundation of
the variables and their relationships to make the study more scientific and understandable especially
to the readers. The researcher mentions theories, including the names of the authors, titles of their
theories, theoretical principles, and their explanations. When this requirement has been satisfied, the
concluding portion is the relationship of the used, established theory to the present study.
Theoretical Framework Example 1
This study is anchored on the theory of Bigg (2004) and Friedman (1970). The business ethos
theory by Bigg is based on the wider social obligation and the moral duty that business has towards
society. According to this theory, there are three (3) varied but interrelated ethical grounds. These are
changing and emerging social responsiveness and social expectations to particular social problems;
eternal and intrinsic values that are inspired by ethics and denoted by some normative and universal
principles of social justice, fairness, and human rights; and corporate citizenship in which a
corporation or a business establishment contributes to social well-being. In this theory, CSR is viewed
as philanthropic and ethical responsibilities rather than legal and economic responsibilities. While the
shareholder value theory by Friedman (Freeman, 1984) argues that only the social responsibility of
business is to develop its profits, it is believed by economists that the corporation owners as its
managers, and stakeholders as agents have a fiduciary duty to serve the shareholders' interest rather
than any others. Thus, corporate social obligations are regarded often as a strategic instrument for
cooperate competitive benefit and more profit gain.
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It is, therefore, noted that although the business enterprise's mission is to have profits, they
should not forget giving back to the shareholders or clients the appropriate returns not only on the
quality of their products but also in some other ways like attending to some obligations through the
different programs that will benefit the community they are serving (Cristobal & Montella, 2016).
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
The explanation of the scope and range of a concept or construct can be done even without a
theory or, in some cases, with a combination of two or more theories which lead to a researcher's
formulated framework. This is called a conceptual framework. It is largely based on theories or parts
of theory combined with other parts of another theory, or on the intellectual synthesis of the various
readings of the researcher. It guides the researcher by giving clear directions to the research.
PARADIGM OF THE STUDY
The result of a clear understanding of the conceptual or theoretical framework is a
diagrammatic presentation of the study called the paradigm.
Merriam-Webster (2006) defines paradigm as a pattern, model, or set of forms which contains
particular elements. It is the researcher's scientific imagination expressed graphically by drawings or
sketches. In a scientific work, the symbols must be specific in meaning. The usual figures used are
regular shapes (rectangles, circles, and squares), lines, and arrows. Irregular shapes are sometimes
utilized and there must be an acceptable rationale for them. The paradigm is something like a visual
representation of the entire thesis. It is considered as the heart of the research paper. A title is needed
to encapsulate the whole paradigm.
The common paradigms or models of the study used are as follows:
1. IPO model (input-process-output). This model is largely used when the research attempts to
isolate the factor or major variable that causes the problem, subject, or phenomenon under
investigation. This model is used when the statements of the problem are all factor-isolating
questions.
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2. IV-DV model (Independent variable-dependent variable model). This model is used to
experiment-based studies. The questions are higher order and classified as situation-relating.
3. –P model. This model is used in research studies that propose a program or any intervention
measure. It fits the situation producing level of questioning.
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4. POM (proposed original model). This model is used when the researcher presents an
original paradigm. The requirement is that it must be scientific.
