In a research context, the theories in a theoretical framework are the specific conceptual models or explanations that a researcher selects to understand, explain, and guide their study. The theoretical framework serves as the foundational structure that supports the chosen theories.
Understanding Theories in Research
Based on the reference provided:
- Theories are systematic sets of concepts, definitions, and propositions that explain or predict phenomena. They are formulated to explain, predict, and understand phenomena and, in many cases, to challenge and extend existing knowledge, within the limits of the critical bounding assumptions.
Researchers use theories to make sense of the world around them. A theory provides a lens through which to view a problem, helping to identify relevant variables, relationships, and potential explanations.
The Role of the Theoretical Framework
The same reference clarifies the role of the framework:
- The theoretical framework is the structure that can hold or support a theory of a research study.
Think of the theoretical framework as the scaffolding or the blueprint for your research. It provides the overall perspective, assumptions, and context within which the chosen theory (or theories) will be applied. It doesn't just list theories; it explains how the selected theory (or theories) relate to the research problem and why they are the appropriate lens for the study.
Identifying the Theories for Your Framework
Selecting the theories for your theoretical framework involves:
- Identifying the Core Phenomenon: What is the specific issue, behavior, or relationship you are studying?
- Reviewing Existing Literature: What established theories have been used to explain similar phenomena?
- Selecting Relevant Theories: Choose the theory or theories that best align with your research questions, objectives, and the context of your study.
- Defining Key Constructs: Clearly define the concepts from the chosen theory(ies) that are relevant to your research.
- Explaining the Relationship: Articulate how the chosen theory(ies) provide a framework for understanding your research problem and guiding your methodology.
The theories within a theoretical framework are therefore the specific theoretical models that a researcher has carefully selected and positioned within the framework's structure to provide a theoretical basis for their investigation.
Theory vs. Theoretical Framework
It's helpful to distinguish between a theory itself and the theoretical framework.
| Feature | Theory | Theoretical Framework |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Explains/predicts specific phenomena | The structure/lens supporting the chosen theory(ies) for a study |
| Scope | Often broad, applicable across contexts | Specific to the research study |
| Role in Research | Provides the explanatory model | Provides the overall context, rationale, and structure for applying the theory |
| Reference Role | The model being applied | The system that holds or supports the chosen theory(ies) for this specific study |
Practical Example
Imagine you are studying why some students are more motivated than others in online learning environments.
- Phenomenon: Student motivation in online learning.
- Potential Theories:
- Self-Determination Theory
- Expectancy-Value Theory
- Social Cognitive Theory
- Choosing a Theory: You might decide that Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is the most relevant theory because it focuses on intrinsic motivation, autonomy, competence, and relatedness – concepts highly applicable to the online learning context.
- Theoretical Framework: Your theoretical framework would explain SDT, define its core constructs (autonomy, competence, relatedness), discuss how these constructs relate to online learning environments, and argue why SDT is the appropriate lens to understand and analyze student motivation in your specific study. The framework holds and supports the application of SDT to your research problem.
In essence, the theories "in" a theoretical framework are the foundational theoretical concepts and models that the framework structures and applies to a specific research study.
