Conceptual Versus Theoretical Frameworks

Although the terms conceptual and theoretical frameworks have been used interchangeably at times they do refer to two different things. A theoretical framework is a study based on an existing theory or theories whereas a conceptual framework is something the author develops based on the theory. Considering the two different types of frameworks, please respond to the following questions:

What are the common differences between a Conceptual and Theoretical Framework?
Explain why each framework is important and how it can guide research.
Provide a basic example of each framework.

Your response to the discussion prompt questions should be a minimum of 500 words. You must use a minimum of four scholarly resources to support your information. All resources have to be 2018 or after.

ANSWER

Conceptual and Theoretical Framework

Common Differences between Conceptual and Theoretical Framework

The frameworks echo with every part of the study process, from the description of the issue, approach, demonstration and discussion of the results. The difference between conceptual and theoretical frameworks is how they guide the conduct of research. The conceptual framework tends to clarify the theoretical models, while the theoretical framework tries to offer an understanding of concepts and theories that are relevant to the study. The theoretical framework is a structure that clenches a theory in the study (Adom, Hussein and Agyem, 2018). Ideally, when a study is structured around the theoretical framework, the theory is considered the key means the research issue is investigated and understood. The conceptual framework is considered as a visual and written representation of an expected connection between variables. Variables are properties and characteristics that are researched in the study.

Theoretical framework tends to introduce and describe the theory that explains why a research issue under study exists. On the other hand, the conceptual framework begins with a deductive assumption about the existence of a research issue, procedures, application of processes, and a functional approach that may be used in solving a problem.

The conceptual framework is generally established based on a literature review of existing theories and studies about the topic. The conceptual framework shows the synthesis of the literature on how to explain the phenomenon with regards to the previous observations and views on the research’s subject. The theoretical framework shows understanding of models and theories that are essential to the research topic and link to the wider areas of understanding.

Importance of Each Framework

The overall importance of the conceptual and theoretical frameworks is to ensure that the study results more standard and meaningful to theoretical concepts in the study field and facilitates generalizability. The importance of the conceptual framework is that it organizes the key ideas that shape one’s thinking in a study. It attempts to link all the inquiries and offers coherence. Ideally, when framework and purpose are aligned, other research aspects such as methodologies and statistical methods become simpler to find. The conceptual framework is a synthesization of interrelated variables and components that help solve a real-world issue.

The theoretical framework clarifies the implicit theory in a manner that it’s clearly defined (Lederman and Lederman, 2015). It enables the researchers to consider theories and their limitations as well as alternative theories that influence perspective. The theoretical framework serves as support and structure for the rationale of the study, purpose, problem statement, meaning and research questions (Kivunja, 2018). The theoretical framework helps in stimulating research while allowing the extension of knowledge from the contextualization of formal theories. Therefore, it is important since it allows the reader to conceptualize a study in a wider context.

Basic Example of Each Framework

The theoretical framework offers a foundational basis of research issues through the use of theories. For instance, research on the best nursing practices using the theoretical framework can rely on the first theory of nursing, which is Florence Nightingale which focuses on manipulating and changing the environment to ensure the patient is in the best possible conditions. The conceptual framework focuses on how existing concepts inform a particular issue (Ravitch and Riggan, 2016). For instance, a research issue on a failing restaurant using the conceptual framework would mean relying on literature to find out what others have found out about customer satisfaction in the foodservice industry. Through the research, the literature offers different variables that could be essential for determining client satisfaction.

References

Adom, D., Hussein, E. K., & Agyem, J. A. (2018). Theoretical and conceptual framework: Mandatory ingredients of quality research. International journal of scientific research, 7(1), 438-441.

Kivunja, C. (2018). Distinguishing between theory, theoretical framework, and conceptual framework: A systematic review of lessons from the field. International Journal of Higher Education, 7(6), 44-53.

Lederman, N. G., & Lederman, J. S. (2015). What is a theoretical framework? A practical answer.

Ravitch, S. M., & Riggan, M. (2016). Reason & rigour: How conceptual frameworks guide research. Sage Publications.