He theoretical framework of an investigation is the part of the research in which the theoretical support is exposed. It is a set of ideas that mark the course of the work that is carried out and put it in relation to other research already done.
The theoretical framework is of great importance, as it shows the theories, concepts and ideas that underpin and support the study that is being carried out.
A good theoretical framework demonstrates that the importance of the problem has been understood and allows others (in addition to the researcher) to be able to understand it as well.
Other benefits of the theoretical framework are that they provide tools for critical analysis of the sources, allowing the researcher to distinguish between what is relevant and what is not.
In the research work, the theoretical framework is divided into four essential sections: the background, the theoretical bases, the legal bases and the glossary of terms.
Purpose of the theoretical framework
The theoretical framework provides the conceptual basis for the compression and analysis of the data presented in an investigation. This is the basic purpose of the theoretical framework. Other functions are:
1- Offering means for future researchers to be able to interpret the data.
2- Responding to new problems that had not been previously studied.
3- Provide means to identify the research problem, since knowledge comes from understanding.
4. Allow to give new interpretations to old data.
Importance
The theoretical framework is composed of a set of definitions, concepts and ideas that refer to existing texts.
This set supports the research being carried out. Thus, a good theoretical framework shows the advanced understanding of the theories that relate to the work being performed.
Also, the theoretical framework establishes a relation between our work and other works of the same area.
In doing so, our research will be framed in a context, which will facilitate our study and that of future people who wish to follow the same line of thought.
To make a theoretical framework, the researcher must carry out a process of consultation, analysis and selection of various sources. This helps those who investigate in different aspects:
1- It allows to develop critical thinking.
2 - It gives the bases for the development of relevant hypotheses.
3- It favors the expansion or delimitation of the research problem.
4- It discloses which lines of investigation are of importance for our study.
5- It allows to determine the variables that affect the investigation problem.
6- Provides tools so that you can discern what is relevant and what is not.
How to make a theoretical framework?
To make a theoretical framework, it is necessary that the research problem has already been delimited and that a title is available (because the title contains the most relevant data of the problem).
The research problem represents the basis from which to structure all the work, including the theoretical framework.
The next step is to brainstorm concepts that relate to the problem. It is good to keep a specific question in mind, for example: what are the factors that change my problem? What are the causes and effects of it? Who does it affect?
Once the brainstorming has been completed, we proceed to classify the concepts obtained into categories. Those that are directly related to the research will be preserved. The rest will be relegated to the background.
Subsequently, texts related to the relevant concepts should be consulted. It is recommended that research focus on authority figures for the area, as these will give truthfulness to our study.
If there are theories that support our study these should be taken into account for the theoretical framework. In the same way, we must consider previous studies that are directly related to our research.
Organization of concepts
Traditionally, the theoretical framework is organized in the following parts:
1- Background of the investigation.
2 - Theoretical bases.
3 - Legal basis.
4- Glossary of terms.
Background of the investigation
The antecedents are the previous investigations that are similar to the one that is being carried out. According to some schools, the minimum of background to present is three.
These investigations are required to be of the last five years, to ensure that the data presented in them are still valid.
When presenting the background of the investigation, the following aspects should be included:
1- Title, problem and objectives of the research.
2 - Methodology used.
3- Conclusions.
4- Relationship between this research and the one being carried out.
Theoretical Basis
The theoretical bases are the organization of the most relevant theories and ideas that revolve around our research.
The mode of presentation of the theoretical bases is by sections, from the most general to the most specific. The diagramming of this article is a basic example of how the theoretical bases of an investigation should be organized.
One aspect that must be taken into account when presenting the theoretical bases is the authorship. This means that we must give credit to the people who have written the texts on which we are based. Otherwise, it would be committing plagiarism, which is theft of intellectual property.
Legal basis
The legal bases are the set of laws and regulations that are directly related to our study.
In this section, articles of the Magna Carta and other minor laws duly identified are included.
Glossary of terms
The glossary of terms includes the essential words for understanding the research being developed.
The glossary of terms is responsible for creating a common language between the researcher and the readers.
It presents the term followed by its concept and is organized alphabetically. The concepts must be basic, since what is wanted is that the recipient is able to understand it.
References
- Theoreticql framework. Retrieved on September 12, 2017, from libguides.usc.edu
- The theoretical framework of a dissertation: what and how? Retrieved on September 12, 2017, from scribbr.com
- What is theoretical framewoek? Retrieved on September 12, 2017, from businessdictionary.com
- Theoretical Framework. Retrieved on September 12, 2017, from statisticssolutions.com
- Elements of a theoretical framework. Retrieved on September 12, 2017, from analytitech.com
- Writing the Theoretical Framework Chapter. Retrieved on September 12, 2017, from ccms.ukzn.ac.za
- Sample theoretical framework of a dissertation. Retrieved on September 12, 2017, from scribbr.com.