Difference between Conceptual Framework and Theoretical Framework

When used as a separate term, “theoretical framework” always refers to the larger ideas governing research and study. However, the terms “theoretical” and “conceptual” are often confused or used interchangeably to designate all ideas used to define and shape an intellectual study. When in doubt, refer to your professor or to a source within your field of research to determine which term to use. A conceptual framework is what informs your readers on what to expect and know from your research. It defines the relevant variables for your study and maps out how they relate to each other. A conceptual framework is constructed before collecting data and often represented in a visual format.

In this example, the variable “teaching method” represents stimulus while the “students’ academic performance” represents the response. The variables make clear the kind of statistical treatment that will have to be used to analyze the relationship. Researchers must read the relevant literature in order to develop their own set of theoretical and conceptual frameworks that will direct the conduct of the research. Researchers must read widely to learn about the prior research in their subjects and to create their own synthesis of the literature.

Conceptual Theory and Framework

Aligning the data collection and analysis with the framework ensures that a study is coherent and can contribute to the field. In focusing on a specific problem within a broader research strand, a new researcher will likely need to examine research outside BER. Depending upon the area of study, the expanded reading list might involve a mix of BER, DBER, and educational research studies. A simple way to focus one’s reading is to create a “summary phrase” or “research nugget,” which is a very brief descriptive statement about the study.

A robust conceptual framework describes the different concepts one would need to know to understand a particular phenomenon, without pretending to create causal links across variables and outcomes. In my view, theoretical frameworks set expectations, because theories are constructs that help explain relationships between variables and specific outcomes and responses. Conceptual frameworks, the way I see them, are like lenses through which you can see a particular phenomenon.

Difference Between Conceptual & Theoretical Framework

A theoretical framework may contain many ideas that are not explored within the paper or experiment it structures. However, by definition, all aspects of the conceptual framework are used in the process of research. A conceptual framework includes one or more formal theories (in part or whole) as well as other concepts and empirical findings from the literature. It is used to show relationships among these ideas and how they relate to the research study. Conceptual frameworks are commonly seen in qualitative research in the social and behavioral sciences, for example, because often one theory cannot fully address the phenomena being studied.

• It is used to show relationships among these ideas and how they relate to the research study.
• Notice in the illustrative example that the theoretical framework basically differs from the conceptual framework in terms of scope.
• Even though the steps are different, you will still use many of the same skills and tools you’ve used for other library research.
• Examples of conceptual frameworks include the methods of a chemistry experiment, the definitions a sociologist uses to describe a culture and the types of data an economist considers when evaluating a country’s industry.
• These newer areas may require reading outside BER; fortunately, summaries of some of these topics can be found in the Current Insights section of the LSE website.
• A study by Jensen and Lawson (2011) provides an example of how a theoretical framework connects different parts of the study.

An example can help illustrate how a researcher’s reflection on the phenomenon and acknowledgment of assumptions can result in the identification of a theoretical framework. An early draft may seem well suited to the study because the need for and approach to the study are well described. However, as the results of the study are analyzed and findings begin to emerge, the existing literature review may be inadequate and need revision. The need for an expanded discussion about the research area can result in the inclusion of new studies that support the explanation of a potential finding. The difference between theoretical and conceptual frameworks is scale — referring to the Big Ideas and the smaller ones. The conceptual framework is a set of specific ideas that can be used within the larger theoretical framework.

Difference between Conceptual Framework and Theoretical Framework

For example, in this article, Beck offers social movement theory as a conceptual framework that can help understand terrorism. As I explained in my metaphor above, social movement theory is the lens through which you see terrorism, and you get a clearer understanding of how it operates precisely because you used this particular theory. In the enactment of the study, they collected data about the instruction in traditional and inquiry-oriented classes, while the students worked in homogeneous or heterogeneous groups. To determine the effect of working in groups, the authors also measured students’ reasoning abilities and achievement.

• A simple way to focus one’s reading is to create a “summary phrase” or “research nugget,” which is a very brief descriptive statement about the study.
• This conceptual framework can guide the systematic collection of data by other researchers because the framework describes the relationships among various factors that influence teaching and learning.
• However it may appear, the importance of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in quantitative research reports cannot be overlooked because research variables depend largely on existing theories and interrelated concepts.
• However, unlike theoretical frameworks, conceptual frameworks usually built from concepts and not theories.
• Each offers a different perspective on the problem of study and is an essential element in all forms of educational research.
• The process of identifying an appropriate theory can seem daunting, so try breaking down the process into smaller steps.

It may represent expected relationships among variables in written or diagrammatic form. There may be one or two theoretical frameworks in master’s research.Three or more theoretical frameworks may be used for a PhD, which calls for original research that significantly advances knowledge. Conceptual frameworks work inductively and assist researchers https://personal-accounting.org/what-are-the-variations-between-conceptual/ in drawing general conclusions from the specifics of individuals’ perceptions and experiences. Whether you’re studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers. He has previously written for The Spiritual Herald, an urban health care and religious issues newspaper based in New York City, and online music magazine eBurban.

Table 1 provides a general overview of these components in order to assist biology education researchers in thinking about these elements. To frame their work, biology education researchers need to consider the role of literature reviews, theoretical frameworks, and conceptual frameworks as critical elements of the research and writing process. This Research Methods article is designed to provide an overview of each of these elements and delineate the purpose of each in the educational research process. We describe what biology education researchers should consider as they conduct literature reviews, identify theoretical frameworks, and construct conceptual frameworks.