{"id":6725,"date":"2026-06-03T00:54:31","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T00:54:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/?p=6725"},"modified":"2026-06-03T11:09:06","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T11:09:06","slug":"what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Theoretical Framework? How to Write It (with Examples)\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure id=\"attachment_6733\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6733\" style=\"width: 150px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6733 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pexels-kampus-production-6248980-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"What is a Theoretical Framework? How to Write It (with Examples)\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6733\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A theoretical framework guides the research process like a roadmap for the study, so you need to get this right.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A theoretical framework <sup>1,2<\/sup> <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is the structure that supports and describes a theory. A theory is a set of interrelated concepts and definitions that present a systematic view of phenomena by describing the relationship among the variables for explaining these phenomena. A theory is developed after a long research process and explains the existence of a research problem in a study. A <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">theoretical framework<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> guides the research process like a roadmap for the research study and helps researchers clearly interpret their findings by providing a structure for organizing data and developing conclusions.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">theoretical framework<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">in research<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is an important part of a manuscript and should be presented in the first section. It shows an understanding of the theories and concepts relevant to the research and helps limit the scope of the research.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_68 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#What_is_a_theoretical_framework\" title=\"What is a theoretical framework?\u00a0\">What is a theoretical framework?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Importance_of_a_theoretical_framework\" title=\"Importance of a theoretical framework\u00a0\">Importance of a theoretical framework\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Theoretical_vs_Conceptual_framework\" title=\"Theoretical vs. Conceptual framework\">Theoretical vs. Conceptual framework<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#How_they_work_together_an_illustration\" title=\"How they work together: an illustration\">How they work together: an illustration<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Theory_vs_Hypothesis_Key_Differences\" title=\"Theory vs. Hypothesis: Key Differences\">Theory vs. Hypothesis: Key Differences<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Popular_Theoretical_Frameworks_by_Discipline\" title=\"Popular Theoretical Frameworks by Discipline\">Popular Theoretical Frameworks by Discipline<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#How_to_Borrow_Theoretical_Frameworks_Across_Disciplines\" title=\"How to Borrow Theoretical Frameworks Across Disciplines\">How to Borrow Theoretical Frameworks Across Disciplines<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Examples\" title=\"Examples\">Examples<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Tips_for_borrowing_theoretical_constructs\" title=\"Tips for borrowing theoretical constructs\">Tips for borrowing theoretical constructs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#How_to_write_a_theoretical_framework\" title=\"How to write a theoretical framework\">How to write a theoretical framework<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Additional_writing_tips\" title=\"Additional writing tips\">Additional writing tips<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Examples_of_a_theoretical_framework\" title=\"Examples of a theoretical framework\">Examples of a theoretical framework<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Example_1_Business\" title=\"Example 1 (Business)\">Example 1 (Business)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Example_2_Business\" title=\"Example 2 (Business)\">Example 2 (Business)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Example_3_Education_Research\" title=\"Example 3 (Education Research)\">Example 3 (Education Research)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Example_4_Psychology_Organizational_Research\" title=\"Example 4 (Psychology \/ Organizational Research)\">Example 4 (Psychology \/ Organizational Research)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Fully_written_sample_theoretical_framework\" title=\"Fully written sample theoretical framework\">Fully written sample theoretical framework<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Benefits_of_a_theoretical_framework\" title=\"Benefits of a theoretical framework\u00a0\">Benefits of a theoretical framework\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid\" title=\"Common Mistakes to Avoid\">Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\u00a0\">Frequently Asked Questions\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Q1_How_do_I_develop_a_theoretical_framework7\" title=\"Q1. How do I develop a theoretical framework?7\">Q1. How do I develop a theoretical framework?7<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Q2_How_do_I_know_if_I_have_developed_a_good_theoretical_framework_or_not8\" title=\"Q2. How do I know if I have developed a good theoretical framework or not?8\">Q2. How do I know if I have developed a good theoretical framework or not?8<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Q3_Can_I_use_multiple_theoretical_frameworks_in_a_single_study\" title=\"Q3. Can I use multiple theoretical frameworks in a single study?\u00a0\">Q3. Can I use multiple theoretical frameworks in a single study?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Q4_Is_it_necessary_to_include_a_theoretical_framework_in_every_research_study\" title=\"Q4. Is it necessary to include a theoretical framework in every research study?\u00a0\">Q4. Is it necessary to include a theoretical framework in every research study?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Q5_Can_a_theoretical_framework_be_developed_for_qualitative_research\" title=\"Q5. Can a theoretical framework be developed for qualitative research?\u00a0\">Q5. Can a theoretical framework be developed for qualitative research?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#Q6_What_is_the_main_difference_between_a_literature_review_and_a_theoretical_framework\" title=\"Q6. What is the main difference between a literature review and a theoretical framework?\u00a0\">Q6. What is the main difference between a literature review and a theoretical framework?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it\/#References\" title=\"References\u00a0\">References\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_theoretical_framework\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What is a theoretical framework<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">theoretical framework<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">in research<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> can be defined as a set of concepts, theories, ideas, and assumptions that help you understand a specific phenomenon or problem. It can be considered a blueprint that is borrowed by researchers to develop their own research inquiry. A <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">theoretical framework in research<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> helps researchers design and conduct their research and analyze and interpret their findings. It explains the relationship between variables, identifies gaps in existing knowledge, and guides the development of research questions, hypotheses, and methodologies to address that gap.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/all-access-pricing?utm_source=contentmarketing&amp;utm_medium=rblog&amp;utm_campaign=what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it-aap-banner2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9685 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/AAP-Banner-2-1024x410.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"256\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/AAP-Banner-2-1024x410.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/AAP-Banner-2-300x120.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/AAP-Banner-2-768x307.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/AAP-Banner-2-1536x615.png 1536w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/AAP-Banner-2-2048x820.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Now that you know the answer to \u2018<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What is a theoretical framework?<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2019, check the following table that lists the different types of <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">theoretical frameworks<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">in research:<sup>3<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<table data-tablestyle=\"MsoTableGrid\" data-tablelook=\"1184\" aria-rowcount=\"7\">\n<tbody>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"1\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Type<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Definition<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"2\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Conceptual<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Defines key concepts and relationships<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"3\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Deductive<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Starts with a general hypothesis and then uses data to test it; used in quantitative research<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"4\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Inductive<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Starts with data and then develops a hypothesis; used in qualitative research<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"5\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Empirical<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Focuses on the collection and analysis of empirical data; used in scientific research<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"6\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Normative<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Defines a set of norms that guide behavior; used in ethics and social sciences<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"7\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Explanatory<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Explains causes of particular behavior; used in psychology and social sciences<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Developing a theoretical framework<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">in research<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> can help in the following situations:<sup>4<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When conducting research on complex phenomena because a <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">theoretical framework<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> helps organize the research questions, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-framing-a-research-hypothesis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hypotheses<\/a>, and findings<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When the research problem requires a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When conducting research that seeks to address a specific gap in knowledge<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When conducting research that involves the analysis of existing theories<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Importance_of_a_theoretical_framework\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Importance of a theoretical framework<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">purpose of<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">theoretical framework<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s is to support you in the following ways during the research process:<sup>2<\/sup><\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Provide a structure for the complete research process<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Assist researchers in incorporating formal theories into their study as a guide<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Provide a broad guideline to maintain the research focus<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Guide the selection of <a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-the-methods-section-of-a-research-paper\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">research methods<\/a>, data collection, and data analysis<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Help understand the relationships between different concepts and develop hypotheses and research questions<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Address <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/dont-know-where-to-start-6-tips-on-identifying-research-gaps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">gaps in existing literature<\/a><\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Analyze the data collected and draw meaningful conclusions and make the findings more generalizable<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Theoretical_vs_Conceptual_framework\"><\/span>Theoretical vs. Conceptual framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While a theoretical framework covers the theoretical aspect of your study (that is, the various theories that can guide your research), a conceptual framework defines the variables for your study and presents how they relate to each other. The conceptual framework is developed before collecting the data. However, both frameworks help in understanding the research problem and guide the development, collection, and analysis of the research.<\/p>\n<p>Think of it this way: the theoretical framework provides the broad lens through which you view your topic and connects established theory to your data collection and analysis strategy. The conceptual framework then operationalizes that lens: specifying the exact variables, concepts, and relationships you will investigate in your study. They serve distinct purposes but work together.<\/p>\n<p>The following table lists some differences between conceptual and theoretical frameworks:<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Theoretical framework<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Conceptual framework<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Based on existing theories that have been tested and validated by others<\/td>\n<td>Based on concepts that are the main variables in the study<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Used to create a foundation of the theory on which your study will be developed<\/td>\n<td>Visualizes the relationships between the concepts and variables based on the existing literature<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Used to test theories, to predict and control the situations within the context of a research inquiry<\/td>\n<td>Helps the development of a theory that would be useful to practitioners<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Provides a general set of ideas within which a study belongs<\/td>\n<td>Refers to specific ideas that researchers utilize in their study<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Offers a focal point for approaching unknown research in a specific field of inquiry<\/td>\n<td>Shows logically how the research inquiry should be undertaken<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Works deductively<\/td>\n<td>Works inductively<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Used in <a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-quantitative-research-types-and-examples\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">quantitative studies<\/a><\/td>\n<td>Used in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/types-of-qualitative-research-methods\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">qualitative studies<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Guides the overall understanding and approach to the research problem<\/td>\n<td>Provides a map for data collection and interpretation, including which variables to explore and how to analyze them<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_they_work_together_an_illustration\"><\/span>How they work together: an illustration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Consider a study exploring the impact of classroom environments on student learning outcomes. The theoretical framework might be grounded in Piaget&#8217;s theory of cognitive development, which offers a broad lens for understanding how students learn and process information. Within this theoretical framework, the researcher then builds the conceptual framework and identifies specific variables such as classroom layout, teacher\u2013student ratio, and availability of learning materials. The researcher proposes that a lower teacher\u2013student ratio and well-equipped classrooms positively impact student performance.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Theory_vs_Hypothesis_Key_Differences\"><\/span>Theory vs. Hypothesis: Key Differences<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The terms <em>theory<\/em> and <em>hypothesis<\/em> are often used interchangeably in everyday language. However, the distinction between them in scholarly research is important, particularly in experimental designs.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><strong>Theory<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Hypothesis<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Definition<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>A well-established principle developed to explain some aspect of the natural or social world<\/td>\n<td>A specific, testable prediction about what you expect to happen in a study<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Basis<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Arises from repeated observation, testing, and incorporation of facts, laws, and tested hypotheses<\/td>\n<td>A speculative proposition that has not yet been tested<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Scope<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Predicts events in a broad, general context<\/td>\n<td>Makes a specific prediction about a specified set of circumstances<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Acceptance<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Widely accepted among scholars<\/td>\n<td>Awaits testing and validation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Example<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Rational choice theory; grounded theory<\/td>\n<td>&#8220;Students with better study habits will suffer less test anxiety&#8221;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>A theoretical framework uses established <em>theories<\/em>; it is not itself a hypothesis. Your hypotheses should emerge from and be grounded in the theoretical framework you have chosen.<\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sso.editage.com\/login?application=r-life&amp;continue=https%3A%2F%2Fresearcher.life%2Fmy-learning&amp;utm_source=contentmarketing&amp;utm_medium=rblog&amp;utm_campaign=theoretical-framework-upskill-banner1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10654\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Group-1000008193-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"2124\" height=\"1020\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Group-1000008193-1.png 2124w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Group-1000008193-1-300x144.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Group-1000008193-1-1024x492.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Group-1000008193-1-768x369.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Group-1000008193-1-1536x738.png 1536w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Group-1000008193-1-2048x984.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2124px) 100vw, 2124px\" \/><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/paperpal.com\/?utm_source=contentmarketing&amp;utm_medium=r-blog&amp;utm_campaign=theoretical-framework-hero-banner1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5463 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/RPaperpal_BlogBanners-1_02_.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"139\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/RPaperpal_BlogBanners-1_02_.png 640w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/RPaperpal_BlogBanners-1_02_-300x65.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Popular_Theoretical_Frameworks_by_Discipline\"><\/span>Popular Theoretical Frameworks by Discipline<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>One of the most practical questions researchers face is: which theoretical framework is appropriate for my field? The following table lists widely used frameworks across key disciplines to help you identify a starting point for your literature review.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Discipline<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Common Theoretical Frameworks<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Education<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Constructivism (Piaget, Vygotsky), Bloom&#8217;s Taxonomy, Transformative Learning Theory<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Psychology<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Social Learning Theory (Bandura), Attachment Theory, Self-Determination Theory<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Sociology<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory (Marx), Symbolic Interactionism<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Nursing &amp; Health Sciences<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Orem&#8217;s Self-Care Model, Roy Adaptation Model, Health Belief Model<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Business &amp; Management<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Resource-Based View, Agency Theory, Institutional Theory<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Communication Studies<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Agenda-Setting Theory, Uses and Gratifications Theory, Framing Theory<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Gender &amp; Cultural Studies<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Feminist Theory, Postcolonial Theory, Critical Race Theory<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Information Science<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Diffusion of Innovations (Rogers), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>This list is not exhaustive. Almost any established theory can function as a theoretical framework as long as it is appropriate to the research problem and offers explanatory power for the phenomenon under investigation.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Borrow_Theoretical_Frameworks_Across_Disciplines\"><\/span>How to Borrow Theoretical Frameworks Across Disciplines<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A growing and increasingly important trend in the social sciences is to think about and attempt to understand specific research problems from an <strong>interdisciplinary perspective<\/strong>. Researchers are not limited to the theoretical frameworks that originate in their own discipline. In fact, borrowing a framework from a related field can yield fresh insights and strengthen the analytical depth of a study.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Examples\"><\/span>Examples<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>A <strong>political science<\/strong> student studying rhetorical strategies used by female incumbents in state legislature campaigns might draw theoretical constructs not only from political science, but also from <strong>linguistics, communication studies, philosophy, psychology<\/strong>, and feminist studies.<\/li>\n<li>A <strong>nursing researcher<\/strong> studying patient compliance might borrow from <strong>behavioral economics<\/strong> (e.g., nudge theory) rather than relying solely on traditional health models.<\/li>\n<li>An <strong>education researcher<\/strong> studying social media use might apply <strong>Bandura&#8217;s Social Learning Theory<\/strong>, originally developed in psychology, to explain peer influence on digital learning behavior.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_borrowing_theoretical_constructs\"><\/span>Tips for borrowing theoretical constructs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Clearly acknowledge the original discipline from which the theory comes and explain why it applies to your research problem.<\/li>\n<li>Describe the historical context of the theory, particularly if it is relatively unknown in your field.<\/li>\n<li>Position your borrowed framework within the broader context of theories already used in your discipline so readers can follow your reasoning.<\/li>\n<li>Do not simply import a theory. Explain why it has more explanatory power for your specific research problem than frameworks native to your own field.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Building theoretical frameworks based on postulates developed in other disciplinary contexts can be both enlightening and an effective way to engage fully with a research topic.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_write_a_theoretical_framework\"><\/span>How to write a theoretical framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The following general steps can help those wondering how to write a theoretical framework:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Identify and define the key concepts clearly<\/strong> and organize them into a suitable structure.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use appropriate terminology<\/strong> and define all key terms to ensure consistency.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Identify the relationships between concepts<\/strong> and provide a logical and coherent structure.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Develop hypotheses<\/strong> that can be tested through data collection and analysis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep it concise and focused<\/strong> with clear and specific aims.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Additional_writing_tips\"><\/span>Additional writing tips<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Write in the present tense<\/strong> when describing and discussing theory.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Make your theoretical assumptions explicit.<\/strong> Later, your methodology section should be linked back to the theoretical framework you have chosen.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Don&#8217;t undertheorize.<\/strong> Never introduce a theoretical framework in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/4-step-approach-to-writing-the-introduction-section-of-a-research-paper\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">introduction section<\/a> and then abandon it. The framework should guide your study throughout the paper, appearing in your methodology, data analysis, discussion, and conclusion sections. Always connect theory back to your analysis and explain in the discussion whether the framework adequately explained the phenomenon you investigated. If it did not, do not be afraid to propose modifications or an alternative view based on your findings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Acknowledge limitations.<\/strong> No theoretical framework perfectly explains every aspect of a research problem. Note the boundaries of the theory you have chosen and identify which parts of the research problem may require further investigation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>A complete theoretical framework will often not emerge until after you have completed a thorough <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/how-to-write-the-literature-review-of-your-research-paper\">literature review<\/a>.<\/strong> Do not force the framework at the outset; allow it to develop as you engage deeply with existing scholarship.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Examples_of_a_theoretical_framework\"><\/span>Examples of a theoretical framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example_1_Business\"><\/span>Example 1 (Business)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>An insurance company is facing a challenge cross-selling its products. The sales department indicates that most customers have just one policy, although the company offers over 10 unique policies.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Objective:<\/strong> To sell more insurance products to existing customers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Problem:<\/strong> Many customers are purchasing additional policies from other companies.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Research question:<\/strong> How can customer product awareness be improved to increase cross-selling of insurance products?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sub-questions:<\/strong> What is the relationship between product awareness and sales? Which factors determine product awareness?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Since &#8220;product awareness&#8221; is the main focus in this study, the theoretical framework should analyze this concept, study previous literature on this subject, and propose theories that discuss the relationship between product awareness and its improvement in sales of other products.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example_2_Business\"><\/span>Example 2 (Business)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A company is facing a continued decline in its sales and profitability due to poor services, resulting in high customer dissatisfaction and declining loyalty.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Objective:<\/strong> To provide better service to customers and increase customer loyalty and satisfaction.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Problem:<\/strong> Continued decrease in sales and profitability.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Research question:<\/strong> How can customer satisfaction help in increasing sales and profitability?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sub-questions:<\/strong> What is the relationship between customer loyalty and sales? Which factors influence the level of satisfaction gained by customers?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Since customer satisfaction, loyalty, profitability, and sales are the important topics in this example, the theoretical framework should focus on these concepts.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example_3_Education_Research\"><\/span>Example 3 (Education Research)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A researcher wants to understand why students from under-resourced communities underperform on standardized assessments despite receiving the same curriculum as students from more affluent areas.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Objective:<\/strong> To identify socio-environmental factors that mediate the relationship between socioeconomic status and academic performance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Problem:<\/strong> Achievement gaps persist despite curriculum standardization.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Research question:<\/strong> How do out-of-school factors affect the academic performance of students from low-income households?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sub-questions:<\/strong> How does access to learning resources at home affect performance? What role does parental educational engagement play?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The theoretical framework for this study could draw on <strong>Bronfenbrenner&#8217;s Ecological Systems Theory<\/strong>, which posits that a child&#8217;s development is influenced by multiple interconnected environmental systems (family, school, community, and broader society). This framework would justify examining variables beyond the classroom (such as home environment, community resources, and parental factors) as legitimate predictors of academic outcomes.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example_4_Psychology_Organizational_Research\"><\/span>Example 4 (Psychology \/ Organizational Research)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A researcher is studying why employees at a technology firm show declining motivation despite receiving competitive salaries and regular performance bonuses.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Objective:<\/strong> To identify non-financial factors that sustain intrinsic motivation in knowledge workers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Problem:<\/strong> Financial incentives alone are not maintaining employee engagement.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Research question:<\/strong> What psychological factors predict sustained motivation among knowledge workers beyond financial compensation?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sub-questions:<\/strong> How do autonomy, mastery, and purpose relate to intrinsic motivation? Do these relationships differ by role or tenure?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The theoretical framework here could be grounded in <strong>Deci and Ryan&#8217;s Self-Determination Theory (SDT)<\/strong>, which proposes that human motivation is driven by three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. SDT would provide the lens for interpreting why monetary incentives, which are extrinsic motivators, may be insufficient or even counterproductive for sustained engagement.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fully_written_sample_theoretical_framework\"><\/span>Fully written sample theoretical framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The following is an example of how a theoretical framework section might actually be written in a dissertation or research paper, based on Example 2 above. Notice how it defines key concepts, compares theoretical definitions, selects the most appropriate one, and justifies the choice.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\"><strong>2.1 Customer Satisfaction<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\">Customer satisfaction is one of the central constructs in this study and must be clearly defined before its relationship to loyalty and profitability can be examined. Scholars have approached this concept in several ways.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\">Oliver (1980) defines customer satisfaction as a psychological state resulting from the disconfirmation of expectations: Satisfaction occurs when a product or service experience exceeds or meets prior expectations, while dissatisfaction occurs when it falls short. Building on this, Kotler (2000) describes satisfaction as the degree to which a product&#8217;s perceived performance matches a buyer&#8217;s expectations; when performance falls below expectations, the customer is dissatisfied, and when it exceeds expectations, the customer is highly satisfied.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\">A more nuanced definition is offered by Thomassen (2003, p. 69), who describes customer satisfaction as &#8220;the perception of the customer as a result of consciously or unconsciously comparing their experiences with their expectations.&#8221; Unlike Oliver and Kotler, Thomassen distinguishes between conscious and unconscious comparison, acknowledging that customers do not always evaluate a service through deliberate, rational assessment.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\">For the purposes of this study, Thomassen&#8217;s definition is the most applicable. The organization under investigation positions itself not merely as a service provider but as an experience brand; as such, unconscious perception is likely to play a significant role in how customers evaluate their interactions. Thomassen&#8217;s model will therefore serve as the primary theoretical lens through which customer satisfaction data will be collected and analyzed.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\">Thomassen&#8217;s Customer Satisfaction Model further proposes that both the value proposition and external influences, including word-of-mouth, personal needs, past experiences, and marketing, shape customers&#8217; expectations, which are then compared against their actual experiences to produce a satisfaction judgment. This model is particularly useful for this study because it allows us to identify not only whether customers are satisfied, but also which upstream factors (e.g., marketing communications, peer referrals, or past service history) are driving their expectations and, ultimately, their loyalty behavior.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em>Note: The depth of theoretical engagement shown above, comparing multiple definitions, selecting one, and justifying the choice, is what differentiates a strong theoretical framework from a weak one.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Benefits_of_a_theoretical_framework\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Benefits of a <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">theoretical framework<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are several <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">benefits of a theoretical framework in research:<\/span><sup>2<\/sup><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Provides a structured approach <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">allowing researchers to organize their thoughts in a coherent way.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Helps to identify gaps in knowledge <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">highlighting areas where further research is needed.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Increases research efficiency <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">by providing a clear direction for research and focusing efforts on relevant data.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Improves the quality of research<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> by providing a rigorous and systematic approach to research, which can increase the likelihood of producing valid and reliable results.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Provides a basis for comparison <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">by providing a common language and conceptual framework for researchers to compare their findings with other research in the field, facilitating the exchange of ideas and the development of new knowledge.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid\"><\/span>Common Mistakes to Avoid<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">Even experienced researchers make avoidable errors when developing and writing theoretical frameworks. Watch out for the following:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Choosing a theory because it is familiar, not because it fits.<\/strong> The selection of a theoretical framework should be driven by its appropriateness, explanatory power, and relevance to the research problem, not by convenience.<\/li>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Describing the theory without applying it.<\/strong> A theoretical framework is not a summary of someone else&#8217;s theory. It must be explicitly connected to your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/insights\/how-to-choose-a-research-question\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">research questions<\/a>, variables, and methodology.<\/li>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Undertheorizing.<\/strong> Introducing a framework in the introduction and never mentioning it again is one of the most common weaknesses in dissertations and research papers. The framework should thread through the entire study.<\/li>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Confusing the theoretical framework with the literature review.<\/strong> The literature review identifies what has been studied before and surfaces a gap. The theoretical framework explains the conceptual and analytical approach you will use to address that gap.<\/li>\n<li class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Ignoring the limitations of the chosen framework.<\/strong> No theory explains everything. Acknowledging where your chosen framework falls short demonstrates scholarly rigor and critical thinking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.adjust.net.in\/9a5h9w2?campaign=R Blog&amp;adgroup=theoretical-frameowork-hero-AI-curated-list-banner&amp;fallback=https%3A%2F%2Fdiscovery.researcher.life%2F%23content_marketing_adjust_blog\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6730 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/blog-banner_extra.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"656\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/blog-banner_extra.png 656w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/blog-banner_extra-300x114.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 656px) 100vw, 656px\" \/><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Frequently Asked Questions\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q1_How_do_I_develop_a_theoretical_framework7\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Q1. How do I develop a <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">theoretical framework<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">?<\/span><\/b><strong><sup>7<\/sup><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A1. The following steps can be used for <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">developing a theoretical framework<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Identify the research problem and research questions<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> by clearly defining the problem that the research aims to address and identifying the specific questions that the research aims to answer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Review the existing literature<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to identify the key concepts that have been studied previously. These concepts should be clearly defined and organized into a structure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Develop propositions<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> that describe the relationships between the concepts. These propositions should be based on the existing literature and should be testable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Develop hypotheses<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> that can be tested through data collection and analysis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Test the <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">theoretical framework<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> through data collection and analysis to determine whether the framework is valid and reliable.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q2_How_do_I_know_if_I_have_developed_a_good_theoretical_framework_or_not8\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Q2. How do I know if I have developed a good <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">theoretical framework<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> or not?<sup>8<\/sup><\/span><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A2. The following checklist could help you answer this question:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Is my <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">theoretical framework<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> clearly seen as emerging from my literature review?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:231}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Is it the result of my analysis of the main theories previously studied in my same research field?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:231}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Does it represent or is it relevant to the most current state of theoretical knowledge on my topic?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:231}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Does the <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">theoretical framework<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">in research<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> present a logical, coherent, and analytical structure that will support my data analysis?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:231}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do the different parts of the theory help analyze the relationships among the variables in my research?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:231}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Does the <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">theoretical framework<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> target how I will answer my research questions or test the hypotheses?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:231}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Have I documented every source I have used in developing this <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">theoretical framework<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:231}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Is my <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">theoretical framework<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> a model, a table, a figure, or a description?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:231}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Have I explained why this is the appropriate <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">theoretical framework<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> for my data analysis?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:231}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q3_Can_I_use_multiple_theoretical_frameworks_in_a_single_study\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Q3. Can I use multiple <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">theoretical frameworks<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> in a single study?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:231}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A3. Using multiple <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">theoretical frameworks<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> in a single study is acceptable as long as each theory is clearly defined and related to the study. Each theory should also be discussed individually. This approach may, however, be tedious and effort intensive. Therefore, multiple <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">theoretical frameworks<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> should be used only if absolutely necessary for the study.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:231}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q4_Is_it_necessary_to_include_a_theoretical_framework_in_every_research_study\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Q4. Is it necessary to include a <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">theoretical framework<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> in every research study?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:231}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A4. The <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">theoretical framework<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> connects researchers to existing knowledge. So, including a <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">theoretical framework<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> would help researchers get a clear idea about the research process and help structure their study effectively by clearly defining an objective, a research problem, and a research question.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:231}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q5_Can_a_theoretical_framework_be_developed_for_qualitative_research\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Q5. Can a <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">theoretical framework<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> be developed for qualitative research?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:231}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A5. Yes, a <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">theoretical framework<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> can be developed for qualitative research. However, qualitative research methods may or may not involve a theory developed beforehand. In these studies, a <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">theoretical framework<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> can guide the study and help develop a theory during the data analysis phase. This resulting framework uses inductive reasoning. The outcome of this inductive approach can be referred to as an emergent <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">theoretical framework<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">. This method helps researchers develop a theory inductively, which explains a phenomenon without a guiding framework at the outset.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:231}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\"><a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/all-access-pricing?utm_source=contentmarketing&amp;utm_medium=rblog&amp;utm_campaign=what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it-aap-banner1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9684 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/AAP-Banner-1-1024x410.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"256\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/AAP-Banner-1-1024x410.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/AAP-Banner-1-300x120.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/AAP-Banner-1-768x307.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/AAP-Banner-1-1536x615.png 1536w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/AAP-Banner-1-2048x820.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q6_What_is_the_main_difference_between_a_literature_review_and_a_theoretical_framework\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Q6. What is the main difference between a literature review and a <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">theoretical framework<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:231}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A6. A literature review explores already existing studies about a specific topic in order to highlight a gap, which becomes the focus of the current research study. A <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">theoretical framework<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> can be considered the next step in the process, in which the researcher plans a specific conceptual and analytical approach to address the identified gap in the research.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:231}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Theoretical frameworks<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> are thus important components of the research process and researchers should therefore devote ample amount of time to develop a solid <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">theoretical framework<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> so that it can effectively guide their research in a suitable direction. We hope this article has provided a good insight into the concept of <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">theoretical frameworks<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"none\">in research<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> and their benefits.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:231}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">References<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Organizing academic research papers: Theoretical framework. Sacred Heart University library. Accessed August 4, 2023. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/library.sacredheart.edu\/c.php?g=29803&amp;p=185919#:~:text=The%20theoretical%20framework%20is%20the,research%20problem%20under%20study%20exists\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/library.sacredheart.edu\/c.php?g=29803&amp;p=185919#:~:text=The%20theoretical%20framework%20is%20the,research%20problem%20under%20study%20exists<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Salomao A. Understanding what is theoretical framework. Mind the Graph website. Accessed August 5, 2023. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mindthegraph.com\/blog\/what-is-theoretical-framework\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/mindthegraph.com\/blog\/what-is-theoretical-framework\/<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Theoretical framework\u2014Types, examples, and writing guide. Research Method website. Accessed August 6, 2023. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/researchmethod.net\/theoretical-framework\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/researchmethod.net\/theoretical-framework\/<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Grant C., Osanloo A. Understanding, selecting, and integrating a theoretical framework in dissertation research: Creating the blueprint for your \u201chouse.\u201d <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Administrative Issues Journal<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Connecting Education, Practice, and Research; 4(2):12-26. 2014. Accessed August 7, 2023. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/files.eric.ed.gov\/fulltext\/EJ1058505.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/files.eric.ed.gov\/fulltext\/EJ1058505.pdf<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Difference between conceptual framework and theoretical framework. MIM Learnovate website. Accessed August 7, 2023. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mimlearnovate.com\/difference-between-conceptual-framework-and-theoretical-framework\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/mimlearnovate.com\/difference-between-conceptual-framework-and-theoretical-framework\/<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Example of a theoretical framework\u2014Thesis &amp; dissertation. BacherlorPrint website. Accessed August 6, 2023. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachelorprint.com\/dissertation\/example-of-a-theoretical-framework\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/www.bachelorprint.com\/dissertation\/example-of-a-theoretical-framework\/<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sample theoretical framework in dissertation and thesis\u2014Overview and example. Students assignment help website. Accessed August 6, 2023. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.studentsassignmenthelp.co.uk\/blogs\/sample-dissertation-theoretical-framework\/#Example_of_the_theoretical_framework\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/www.studentsassignmenthelp.co.uk\/blogs\/sample-dissertation-theoretical-framework\/#Example_of_the_theoretical_framework<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kivunja C. Distinguishing between theory, theoretical framework, and conceptual framework: A systematic review of lessons from the field. Accessed August 8, 2023. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/files.eric.ed.gov\/fulltext\/EJ1198682.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">https:\/\/files.eric.ed.gov\/fulltext\/EJ1198682.pdf<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Editage All Access<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is a subscription-based platform that unifies the best AI tools and services designed to speed up, simplify, and streamline every step of a researcher\u2019s journey. The <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/?utm_source=contentmarketing&amp;utm_medium=rblog&amp;utm_campaign=what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it-boilerplate\"><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Editage All Access Pack<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/a> <i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is a one-of-a-kind subscription that unlocks full access to an AI writing assistant, literature recommender, journal finder, scientific illustration tool, and exclusive discounts on professional publication services from Editage.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Based on 22+ years of experience in academia, <\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Editage All Access<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> empowers researchers to put their best research forward and move closer to success. Explore our top AI Tools pack, AI Tools + Publication Services pack, or Build Your Own Plan. Find everything a researcher needs to succeed, all in one place \u2013\u202f<\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/all-access-pricing?utm_source=contentmarketing&amp;utm_medium=rblog&amp;utm_campaign=what-is-a-theoretical-framework-how-to-write-it-boilerplate\"><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Get All Access now starting at just <\/span><\/i><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">$14<\/span><\/i><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\"> a month<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/a><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">!<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>This article was originally published on August 21, 2023, and updated on June 3, 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A theoretical framework 1,2 is the structure that supports and describes a theory. A theory is a set of interrelated concepts and definitions that present<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":6733,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":0,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","footnotes":""},"categories":[488,1],"tags":[12,48,34,649,508],"class_list":["post-6725","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academic-writing","category-researcher-life","tag-academic-writing","tag-research-discovery","tag-scholarly-publishing","tag-theoritical-framework","tag-tips-for-researchers"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is a Theoretical Framework? 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