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What is a Theoretical Framework? | A Step-by-Step Guide

Published on 14 February 2020 by Shona McCombes . Revised on 10 October 2022.

A theoretical framework is a foundational review of existing theories that serves as a roadmap for developing the arguments you will use in your own work.

Theories are developed by researchers to explain phenomena, draw connections, and make predictions. In a theoretical framework, you explain the existing theories that support your research, showing that your work is grounded in established ideas.

In other words, your theoretical framework justifies and contextualises your later research, and it’s a crucial first step for your research paper , thesis, or dissertation . A well-rounded theoretical framework sets you up for success later on in your research and writing process.

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Why do you need a theoretical framework, how to write a theoretical framework, structuring your theoretical framework, example of a theoretical framework, frequently asked questions about theoretical frameworks.

Before you start your own research, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the theories and models that other researchers have already developed. Your theoretical framework is your opportunity to present and explain what you’ve learned, situated within your future research topic.

There’s a good chance that many different theories about your topic already exist, especially if the topic is broad. In your theoretical framework, you will evaluate, compare, and select the most relevant ones.

By “framing” your research within a clearly defined field, you make the reader aware of the assumptions that inform your approach, showing the rationale behind your choices for later sections, like methodology and discussion . This part of your dissertation lays the foundations that will support your analysis, helping you interpret your results and make broader generalisations .

In literature , a scholar using postmodernist literary theory would analyse The Great Gatsby differently than a scholar using Marxist literary theory.
In psychology , a behaviourist approach to depression would involve different research methods and assumptions than a psychoanalytic approach.
In economics , wealth inequality would be explained and interpreted differently based on a classical economics approach than based on a Keynesian economics one.

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To create your own theoretical framework, you can follow these three steps:

Identifying your key concepts
Evaluating and explaining relevant theories
Showing how your research fits into existing research

1. Identify your key concepts

The first step is to pick out the key terms from your problem statement and research questions . Concepts often have multiple definitions, so your theoretical framework should also clearly define what you mean by each term.

To investigate this problem, you have identified and plan to focus on the following problem statement, objective, and research questions:

Problem : Many online customers do not return to make subsequent purchases.

Objective : To increase the quantity of return customers.

Research question : How can the satisfaction of company X’s online customers be improved in order to increase the quantity of return customers?

2. Evaluate and explain relevant theories

By conducting a thorough literature review , you can determine how other researchers have defined these key concepts and drawn connections between them. As you write your theoretical framework, your aim is to compare and critically evaluate the approaches that different authors have taken.

After discussing different models and theories, you can establish the definitions that best fit your research and justify why. You can even combine theories from different fields to build your own unique framework if this better suits your topic.

Make sure to at least briefly mention each of the most important theories related to your key concepts. If there is a well-established theory that you don’t want to apply to your own research, explain why it isn’t suitable for your purposes.

3. Show how your research fits into existing research

Apart from summarising and discussing existing theories, your theoretical framework should show how your project will make use of these ideas and take them a step further.

You might aim to do one or more of the following:

Test whether a theory holds in a specific, previously unexamined context
Use an existing theory as a basis for interpreting your results
Critique or challenge a theory
Combine different theories in a new or unique way

A theoretical framework can sometimes be integrated into a literature review chapter , but it can also be included as its own chapter or section in your dissertation. As a rule of thumb, if your research involves dealing with a lot of complex theories, it’s a good idea to include a separate theoretical framework chapter.

There are no fixed rules for structuring your theoretical framework, but it’s best to double-check with your department or institution to make sure they don’t have any formatting guidelines. The most important thing is to create a clear, logical structure. There are a few ways to do this:

Draw on your research questions, structuring each section around a question or key concept
Organise by theory cluster
Organise by date

As in all other parts of your research paper , thesis, or dissertation , make sure to properly cite your sources to avoid plagiarism .

To get a sense of what this part of your thesis or dissertation might look like, take a look at our full example .

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While a theoretical framework describes the theoretical underpinnings of your work based on existing research, a conceptual framework allows you to draw your own conclusions, mapping out the variables you may use in your study and the interplay between them.

A literature review and a theoretical framework are not the same thing and cannot be used interchangeably. While a theoretical framework describes the theoretical underpinnings of your work, a literature review critically evaluates existing research relating to your topic. You’ll likely need both in your dissertation .

A theoretical framework can sometimes be integrated into a literature review chapter , but it can also be included as its own chapter or section in your dissertation . As a rule of thumb, if your research involves dealing with a lot of complex theories, it’s a good idea to include a separate theoretical framework chapter.

A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources (such as books, journal articles, and theses) related to a specific topic or research question .

It is often written as part of a dissertation , thesis, research paper , or proposal .

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Home » Theoretical Framework – Types, Examples and Writing Guide

Theoretical Framework – Types, Examples and Writing Guide

Table of Contents

A theoretical framework provides a structure for research by linking the study to existing theories, concepts, or models. It serves as a lens through which the research problem is examined, offering a foundation for understanding and analyzing data. Theoretical frameworks are crucial in ensuring the study is grounded in established knowledge and contributes meaningfully to the field.

This article explores the definition, types, examples, and a step-by-step writing guide for creating an effective theoretical framework.

Theoretical Framework

A theoretical framework is a conceptual model that defines the key concepts, variables, and their relationships within a study. It provides a foundation for the research by situating it within a broader body of knowledge. The framework connects the research problem, objectives, and hypotheses to established theories or models, ensuring that the study aligns with academic principles.

A study exploring employee motivation might use Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as the theoretical framework to analyze factors influencing workplace satisfaction.

Importance of a Theoretical Framework

Guides Research Design: Helps identify research questions, hypotheses, and methodologies.
Establishes Relevance: Connects the study to established theories and highlights its contribution to the field.
Explains Relationships: Provides clarity on how variables interact within the research context.
Improves Rigor: Ensures the study is grounded in academic principles, enhancing its credibility.
Enables Comparisons: Facilitates comparisons with other studies using similar theoretical foundations.

Types of Theoretical Frameworks

1. descriptive frameworks.

Description: Focus on describing phenomena without attempting to explain causes or relationships.
Use Case: Often used in exploratory research or studies aimed at documenting phenomena.
Using Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development to describe the challenges faced by adolescents.

2. Explanatory Frameworks

Description: Seek to explain why and how phenomena occur by establishing causal relationships.
Use Case: Common in hypothesis-driven research.
Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior to understand factors influencing recycling habits.

3. Predictive Frameworks

Description: Aim to predict outcomes based on identified variables and established relationships.
Use Case: Frequently used in quantitative research.
Using Expectancy Theory to predict employee performance based on motivation levels.

4. Conceptual Frameworks

Description: Focus on organizing and integrating concepts from various theories to address a specific research problem.
Use Case: Useful in multidisciplinary studies.
Combining theories of technology adoption and user satisfaction to study e-learning platforms.

5. Comparative Frameworks

Description: Compare different theoretical perspectives to analyze a phenomenon.
Use Case: Employed in research seeking to contrast various schools of thought.
Comparing Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s theories of cognitive development in understanding classroom learning.

Examples of Theoretical Frameworks Across Disciplines

1. psychology.

Framework: Social Cognitive Theory
Application: Examining how self-efficacy influences academic performance in students.

2. Sociology

Framework: Conflict Theory
Application: Analyzing the impact of income inequality on access to education.

3. Education

Framework: Constructivist Learning Theory
Application: Exploring the effectiveness of project-based learning in enhancing critical thinking skills.

4. Business

Framework: Resource-Based View (RBV)
Application: Studying how internal resources affect a company’s competitive advantage.

5. Healthcare

Framework: Health Belief Model
Application: Investigating factors influencing patients’ adherence to prescribed medications.

How to Write a Theoretical Framework

Step 1: identify key concepts.

Define the main variables or concepts relevant to your research.
Example: In a study on employee productivity, key concepts might include motivation, job satisfaction, and performance.

Step 2: Review Relevant Literature

Explore existing theories, models, and studies related to your research problem.
Example: Reviewing Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory for insights into workplace motivation.

Step 3: Choose an Appropriate Theory

Select a theory that aligns with your research objectives and provides a clear framework for analysis.
Example: Using the Theory of Planned Behavior for a study on healthy eating habits.

Step 4: Define Relationships

Explain how the variables in your study are related based on the chosen theory.
Example: Hypothesizing that increased job satisfaction leads to higher productivity, guided by Maslow’s theory.

Step 5: Justify the Framework

Explain why the selected theory is suitable for your research.
Example: “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is chosen because it comprehensively addresses the motivational factors affecting employee behavior.”

Step 6: Visualize the Framework (Optional)

Create a conceptual diagram or flowchart showing the relationships between variables.
Example: A chart linking motivation to productivity through variables like incentives and work environment.

Step 7: Write the Framework

Present the theoretical framework in a structured format, typically in the literature review or methodology section.

Sample Theoretical Framework Section

Study Topic: Factors Influencing E-Learning Adoption Among College Students

Framework: This study employs the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to examine the adoption of e-learning platforms among college students. According to TAM, two primary factors influence technology adoption: perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU).

Perceived Ease of Use: Refers to the degree to which students believe the platform is user-friendly.
Perceived Usefulness: Represents the extent to which students perceive the platform as enhancing their learning experience.

These factors interact with external variables such as prior technological exposure and accessibility. By applying TAM, the study aims to identify barriers to e-learning adoption and provide recommendations for improving platform design and usability.

Tips for Writing a Strong Theoretical Framework

Be Concise: Focus on the key theories and concepts directly relevant to your study.
Ensure Clarity: Clearly define how the theory applies to your research problem.
Use Credible Sources: Reference original works or reputable studies to support your framework.
Visualize Relationships: Use diagrams or flowcharts to illustrate connections between variables.
Adapt as Necessary: Modify or combine theories to suit the specific needs of your research.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Lack of Focus: Including unrelated or overly broad theories can dilute the framework’s impact.
Poor Justification: Failing to explain why the chosen theory is relevant.
Overcomplication: Using too many theories or concepts without clear connections.
Ignoring Alternatives: Not considering other theories that could explain the phenomenon.
Weak Integration: Failing to link the framework to research objectives or hypotheses.

The theoretical framework is a critical component of research, providing a structured foundation for analyzing and interpreting data. By identifying relevant theories, defining key concepts, and explaining their relationships, researchers can ensure their study is grounded in established knowledge. Following the types, examples, and writing guide outlined here, you can create a robust theoretical framework that enhances the clarity, credibility, and impact of your research.

Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches . Sage Publications.
Bryman, A. (2015). Social Research Methods . Oxford University Press.
Kumar, R. (2019). Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners . Sage Publications.
Maxwell, J. A. (2013). Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach . Sage Publications.
Glanz, K., Rimer, B. K., & Viswanath, K. (2015). Health Behavior: Theory, Research, and Practice . Jossey-Bass.

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