Theories are formulated to explain, predict, and understand phenomena and, in many cases, to
challenge and extend existing knowledge within the limits of critical bounding assumptions. The
theoretical framework is the structure that can hold or support a theory of a research study. The
theoretical framework introduces and describes the theory that explains why the research
problem under study exists.
Abend, Gabriel. "The Meaning of Theory." Sociological Theory 26 (June 2008): 173–199; Swanson,
Richard A. Theory Building in Applied Disciplines. San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
2013.
Importance of Theory
A theoretical framework consists of concepts and, together with their definitions and
reference to relevant scholarly literature, existing theory that is used for your
particular study. The theoretical framework must demonstrate an understanding of theories
and concepts that are relevant to the topic of your research paper and that relate to the broader
areas of knowledge being considered.
The theoretical framework is most often not something readily found within the
literature. You must review course readings and pertinent research studies for theories and
analytic models that are relevant to the research problem you are investigating. The selection of
a theory should depend on its appropriateness, ease of application, and explanatory power.
The theoretical framework strengthens the study in the following ways :
An explicit statement of theoretical assumptions permits the reader to evaluate them
1.
critically.
The theoretical framework connects the researcher to existing knowledge. Guided by a
2.
relevant theory, you are given a basis for your hypotheses and choice of research methods.
Articulating the theoretical assumptions of a research study forces you to address
3.
questions of why and how. It permits you to intellectually transition from simply describing a
phenomenon you have observed to generalizing about various aspects of that phenomenon.
Having a theory helps you identify the limits to those generalizations. A theoretical
4.
framework specifies which key variables influence a phenomenon of interest and highlights
the need to examine how those key variables might differ and under what circumstances.
By virtue of its applicative nature, good theory in the social sciences is of value precisely
because it fulfills one primary purpose: to explain the meaning, nature, and challenges
associated with a phenomenon, often experienced but unexplained in the world in which we live,
so that we may use that knowledge and understanding to act in more informed and effective
ways.
The Conceptual Framework . College of Education. Alabama State University; Corvellec, Hervé,
ed. What is Theory?: Answers from the Social and Cultural Sciences . Stockholm: Copenhagen
Business School Press, 2013; Asher, Herbert B. Theory-Building and Data Analysis in the Social
Sciences. Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Press, 1984; Drafting an Argument .
Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Ravitch, Sharon M. and Matthew Riggan. Reason and
Rigor: How Conceptual Frameworks Guide Research. Second edition. Los Angeles, CA: SAGE,
2017; Trochim, William M.K. Philosophy of Research . Research Methods Knowledge Base. 2006;
Jarvis, Peter. The Practitioner-Researcher. Developing Theory from Practice. San Francisco, CA:
Jossey-Bass, 1999.
Strategies for Developing the Theoretical Framework
I. Developing the Framework
Here are some strategies to develop of an effective theoretical framework:
Examine your thesis title and research problem . The research problem anchors your
1.
entire study and forms the basis from which you construct your theoretical framework.
Brainstorm about what you consider to be the key variables in your research .
2.
Answer the question, "What factors contribute to the presumed effect?"
Review related literature to find how scholars have addressed your research problem.
3.
Identify the assumptions from which the author(s) addressed the problem.
List the constructs and variables that might be relevant to your study. Group these
4.
variables into independent and dependent categories.
Review key social science theories that are introduced to you in your course readings
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and choose the theory that can best explain the relationships between the key variables in
your study [note the Writing Tip on this page].
Discuss the assumptions or propositions of this theory and point out their relevance
6.
to your research.
