Theoretical Framework: Definition, Functions, and Development
What is a Theoretical Framework?
A theoretical framework discusses the theories, research, and background considered valid for the frame of the study. It is not synonymous with theory itself.
What are the Functions of the Theoretical Framework?
After raising a problem, the next step is to support it with theoretical study. Some authors call this developing the theoretical framework. This includes analyzing and presenting the relevant theories, theoretical approaches, research, and history.
6 Key Functions of the Theoretical Framework
- Prevents mistakes made in other studies
- Provides guidance on how the study should be conducted
- Helps the researcher to focus on their specific problem
- Leads to the establishment of hypotheses that will later be subjected to reality testing
- Inspires new lines and areas of research
- Provides a framework for interpreting the study results
Stages of Theoretical Framework Development
A) Literature Review
This involves detecting, acquiring, and consulting literature and other materials that are useful for the purposes of the study. From these sources, you must extract and compile information relevant to your research problem. You must be selective. According to Danhke, there are three basic types of information sources:
- Primary Sources: These are the main goal of library research or literature review and provide firsthand data. Examples include books, anthologies, published articles, and expert testimony.
- Secondary Sources: These are compilations, abstracts, and reference lists published in a particular area of knowledge. In other words, they are reprocessed firsthand information.
- Tertiary Sources: These are documents that summarize the names and titles of magazines and other periodicals, as well as names of newsletters, conferences, and symposia.
Identifying Literature of Interest for Developing the Theoretical Framework
- Go directly to primary sources.
- Consult experts in the area to guide the detection of relevant literature.
- Review secondary and tertiary sources to locate places where information can be obtained.
- Search for information and web pages from experts in your subject.
B) Obtaining and Recovering Literature
To identify relevant primary sources, it is necessary to locate them in physical and electronic libraries, film libraries, video libraries, or other places where they are found, including websites.
C) Consultation of Literature
Once the primary sources of interest are physically located, proceed to consult them. The first step is to select those that will be useful for your specific theoretical framework and discard those that do not serve. Consider these questions:
- Does the reference relate specifically to my research problem?
- Why? What aspects does it address?
- Does it help you develop my research faster and more deeply?
- From what perspective does it approach the topic?
D) Extraction and Compilation of Information of Interest in the Literature
Each person can devise their own method according to how they work. When extracting information, it is important to note the complete reference from which it was extracted. For example:
- Title and subtitle
- Name(s) of the author(s)
- Place and year of publication
- Publisher name
- If it is a reprint, the number of the reprint