Introduction
Research questions need a framework to address the aim of a study. There are two frameworks used that are often used for research purposes. These are the conceptual, and theoretical frameworks. It often becomes difficult for the students to differentiate between them. But understanding the difference is highly important. This is because it gives the base for starting any research, or dissertation.
As a starting note, it is important to know what these frameworks are. These frameworks give ground to the research question. That means it will help the researcher in planning his research ahead of time. The research can be either qualitative or quantitative. It can be discrete or numerical too. These frameworks have applications in both types of researches. As a student or researcher, these frameworks are essential. This is because they help you in analysing what, and where to use such information. There are certain similarities between the two as well. These are highlighted as follows;
- Explains the existence of a research question, or problem.
- Describe the research paradigm of any research or dissertation.
- Give a theoretical, or conceptual explanation for the research questions through literature.
- Decides the further course of research, tools, and expected outcomes.
- Both have similar structures of applications, methods, analysis, and outcomes.
First, let’s discuss the basics regarding the theoretical, and conceptual frameworks.
Conceptual Framework
It is the researcher’s idea that explains how a research problem should be explored. It synthesises the relevant concepts of research. Its applications in the field of research are somehow broad. This is because similar concepts apply to a wider range of research topics. A conceptual framework divides the information into simple forms. It further puts the information together to generate a holistic image. The conceptual framework presents a model of implementation for the researchers. It is a complete set of information in the essence of the research.
Theoretical Framework
The theoretical framework is well-structured and based on theories. These theories are from renowned researchers. The theoretical framework uses theories tested by the researchers and applies them. These theories are being applied as a whole, or in parts. This framework has a narrow range of applications. Similar researches can use a singular theoretical framework. The theoretical framework is a guide that helps researchers throughout the study.
Differences Between The Theoretical, And Conceptual Framework
1. Base Of The Framework:
The base of the conceptual framework is logic and acceptability. But the base of a theoretical framework is the research paradigm. This means that the conceptual framework should be for logic-based research. There are certain qualitative researches that use the conceptual framework. It provides a reasonable logical explanation of the events of a study. You can use the theoretical framework for quantitative researches. These researches have a specific paradigm of research. It may also have a specific theoretical application for justifying the research aim.
An example of a theoretical framework is the theory of motivation. An example of the conceptual framework lies in the researcher’s mindset. It also has its grounds in the concepts. Especially the ones that are being related to the main variables of the research.
2. Relative Importance For The Research Study:
The conceptual framework provides a strong logic of the research proposed. Whereas the theoretical framework has strong theoretical applications. Both of these have their own importance. According to the dissertation writing service firm, that suppose you are looking to justify a qualitative statement in your sector. You may want to use the conceptual framework. Take for example the concept of “Increasing nurses’ work hours decrease work efficiency.” The quantitative research will use a theoretical framework. This framework provides an analytical answer to the research question.
A conceptual framework describes the relationships between different variables of a study. It also has a clear understanding of the input, and output information.
The theoretical framework will also guide you in case of an indefinite research plan. But the conceptual framework requires a model for implementing its concepts.
3. Tools Used By Both The Frameworks:
A conceptual framework uses the tools of critical thinking and analysis. The human mind and the researcher’s attributes have an impact on this framework. The theoretical framework uses tools of data collection and analysis. This framework has the support of analytical tools and machinery. It makes it easy to justify the results of a study as well. The conceptual framework tools don’t have that reliability factor. They need to have the support of evidence-based studies. The theories are being linked with aim of the study. A conceptual framework model is linked to the concepts of the study.
4. Scope Of The Frameworks:
The conceptual framework has a wide scope of application. It is specific in the outcomes and applications. The theoretical framework has a narrow range of applications. It gives you a general set of ideas, and theories. The range of ideas is broader for a theoretical framework. It allows the researcher in setting his research ideas with the relevant scope. In the conceptual framework, you can use a broad range with specific applications.
5. Requirements Of Both Frameworks:
The theoretical framework has to be well accepted and applied before as well. This is because it develops the research on previously proven theories. In a conceptual framework, there is no need for broader acceptance. You can base the information on your grounds too.
Brainstorm
Brainstorming is necessary for coming up with good stuff. Too much information jeopardises the structure of an article. Sometimes the author has an image of the paper. But this fades away after lots of reading. Write that image, or outline on paper first. Change it later after you are done brainstorming for the ideas.
Conclusion
The theoretical framework ensures relevance to previous theories. The literature analysis can provide required therapies of implementation. This framework most often helps in quantitative research. The broader scope of applications gives it an edge for having better applications. This framework uses quantitative, analytical, and statistical tools for evaluation. It requires high acceptance within its applications. The conceptual framework is more precise and uses the critical thinking of researchers. It has a narrow range of applications. This limits its implications. Usually, qualitative researchers use this type of framework. The outcomes are more general with concepts supported by previous logic through this framework. It does not need acceptance from the researchers. It may or may not be present in the literature. These frameworks give research paradigms for the researchers to follow. It makes it easy to analyse the research questions and set them on a course
