If you want to learn more about theoretical and conceptual frameworks, this article will be perfect for you. Let’s dive right into it!
What Is A Theoretical Framework?
This theoretical framework forms the foundation of your research. It limits the scope of your study to relevant data and makes your observations and thoughts more meaningful. It is designed to increase understanding and generate new knowledge.
This framework, composed of one formal theory, serves as the base for research. It serves as a reference point for your research process. It is the basis of all research.
A theoretical framework consists of a single formal theory relevant to the problem at hand. These types of research methods are often used for qualitative studies. Theoretical frameworks have more scope than quantitative.
What Is A Conceptual Framework?
The conceptual framework is more specific about the relationship between variables, and it differs from a traditional theoretical framework.
A conceptual framework can be focused on cause and effect relationships between two or more variables. You can also examine the relationship between dependent or independent variables. It helps to structure your research.
There are many differences between traditional and conceptual frameworks. One way to identify the differences between these two frameworks is to examine how they are applied to the same research issue.
What Is The Difference Between Theoretical Framework And Conceptual Framework?
Important distinctions between theoretical framework vs conceptual framework are important when understanding how research is carried out. Although both are valid approaches, they each have advantages and drawbacks.
This is why it’s important to distinguish between the two frameworks. You should also note that the answer is still not definitive. Both are equally effective.
However, it is up to you to determine which one will work best for your particular project.
1. Depth
Theoretical frameworks have more depth than conceptual ones. Theoretical frameworks are based on accepted research paradigms and fill in the knowledge gaps.
Although conceptual frameworks are most commonly used for qualitative research, these frames can also be useful in quantitative studies.
A theoretical framework focuses on the history of the problem being studied and creates a structure capable of filling in knowledge gaps. It also helps define the variables being studied and aids in their interpretation.
The conceptual framework is broader. A conceptual framework is a group of ideas that have been modelled on an existing theory. It describes the relation between ideas and what their implications are.
This framework is better. It allows you to make more generalizations. It is crucial for every research project. You can improve your knowledge of any topic by using a model. You can use it to organize and analyze your data and help you create a deeper theory.
2. Abstraction
A conceptual framework differs from a theoretical framework because it contains more abstraction than a conceptual one.
A theoretical framework is a broad set of interconnected theories that guide the research’s development, collection, and analysis.
Important to remember that conceptual frameworks can only be used for a specific study. Instead, a framework that is conceptual will focus only on a certain set of ideas.
While conceptual frameworks can be more precise and general, theoretical ones are more abstract and detailed. A conceptual framework, however, is an organized set of ideas.
The conceptual framework can contain several guiding concepts. On the other hand, a theoretical framework is more focused on the Big Ideas.
The theoretical framework could also include a detailed, broad, or specific study. Unlike a research paper, a framework should be tailored specifically to address the issue at hand.
3. Direction
One difference between a conceptual framework and a theoretical framework is that a conceptual frame outlines a research’s direction. The theoretical framework refers primarily to tried-and-true theories.
While the conceptual framework details the variables under consideration in any given study, While the theoretical framework forms the base of a research project, the conceptual framework provides the framework on which all subsequent steps are built. Before you start writing, it is important to understand the differences.
4. Goal
A conceptual framework helps explain the purpose of a study. But a theoretical frame is designed to help you understand what it means. A conceptual framework can be described as a simplified version of a theory.
A conceptual framework is more specific to the subject of study. A theoretical framework does not have to be restricted to one discipline. It is rather a collection of principles applicable to one area of study.
5. Flexibility
The conceptual framework can be more flexible than the traditional theoretical framework. The conceptual framework has more detailed rules and assumptions.
While the former is built on theory, a theoretical framework provides a structure for your research. Both are helpful, but which framework suits you best for your research projects?
Both frameworks can be used in conjunction. You should be able to understand the differences in both.
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