The theoretical framework is a term linked to science and research. It refers to a set of principles, ideas, laws, methodologies, data and factors that determine a specific reality; Since, when there is something concrete and practical, it is because there is previously a theoretical explanation that supports it.When an investigation begins, something more is needed than the simple observation of the facts, it is necessary that the investigator has a methodology, some background and justification. In short, a guide to action is required.
Characteristics of a Theoretical Framework
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Once what is going to be investigated has been determined and the questions that guide the investigation have been formulated, the next thing is to carry out a review of the documentary sources related to the subject, in order to extract all the information of interest for the construction of a theoretical framework linked to the topic to be investigated.
With this in mind, it is important to know the characteristics of the theoretical framework, which are the following:
- There should be an extension of the description and analysis of the problem that arises.
- Arguing the hypotheses in a way that answers the questions posed.
- Guide the researcher towards the organization of the data, as well as the most significant facts, for the description of the relationships of a problem with theories that already exist.
What is the role of a Theoretical Framework
In addition to those mentioned above, the theoretical framework fulfills a series of functions that are:
- Clarify the terms: it is a very important function in the theoretical framework of the research, it is about establishing a glossary of the most significant and relevant terms of the study that is going to be carried out. In this section it is also possible to clarify from what point the researcher approaches the theme and the theory about the problem posed.
- Grouping the different parts of the research: this function of the theoretical framework is to provide a unit in the research, standardizing the use of language and joining the criteria of the sources used.
- Show the antecedents: the theoretical framework through this function indicates that a review of the bibliography should be carried out and in this way discover theories and studies already carried out on the subject in question. With this review, the author of the research analyzes how and why to carry out the study of the objective and provides sufficient data to avoid errors that may have been made in old investigations.
- Determine the research: having a frame of reference, the researcher does not deviate from the topic, nor does he gather contradictory points of view. It is a function of the theoretical framework of an investigation, to help not to address issues of no scientific importance, or that are already sufficiently investigated. Allowing the investigation to be oriented in a specific thought and clarifying the novelty of the proposal.
- Advance the methodology: by making an anticipation of how the research will be approached, clues are obtained about how the study will be carried out and it is defined which methodology will be used to demonstrate the hypothesis that is hidden in the study.
- Guides in the appreciation of the result: starting from the theoretical framework, the data that are going to be compared with the results of the study are gathered. The terms, theory and concepts proposed by it must be used and verified in the course of the investigation.
- The theoretical framework supports the validity and reliability of the study: when the research starts from the study of previous theories and concepts, this helps to argue the issue and allows readers to trust that the results reflected are true.
- New research emerges: the theoretical framework allows the study to be reproduced since the more reliable the theoretical basis is, the more likely it is that the study will be replicated in other circumstances.
- They discover relationships between variables: throughout the investigation it is possible that relationships may arise between different variables that are part of it. The theoretical framework allows these relationships to be clearly glimpsed, even the researcher can detect new elements of study.
- Data organizer: responsible for organizing the information contained in the investigated topic.
Types of Theoretical Framework
Theoretical Reference Framework
This theoretical framework includes an analysis or review of other research works, on the same topic, or study problem previously carried out. According to the nature of the investigation, the referential frame can be formed by theoretical, legal, conceptual aspects and objects of the investigation.
Conceptual Theoretical Framework
In this type of theoretical framework it consists in the elaboration of the problem in a conceptual way. In it, the variables considered in the problem are defined, the key terms and the research objects are used more frequently. The investigations are made by the author according to his criteria, the proposals of other researchers and the theory on which he has based the research.
Legal Theoretical Framework
It contains a compilation of all the legal norms that are related to the main topic of the investigation. This framework is very important to be able to be clear about all the necessary arguments for the ease of the project. It can be established from the rules of an institution to those of a country, this depends on who the project is directed to.
Historical Setting
It is a scientific investigation whose purpose is to describe a review of history that allows to identify its context. In this sense, it is a descriptive narrative of how the research problem has arisen, evolved, and intensified. In this framework, the demarcation of past events must be made, as well as the phases through which the object under study has passed, until it reaches the state in which it is at the time of being subjected to the investigation.
How to develop a Theoretical Framework
When developing the theoretical framework of an investigation, exploration activities should be carried out, as well as making the selection of elements and concepts, in order to organize the facts, or phenomena related to the subject that will be studied. Initially, a review of all the literature, existing research, concepts, reports and definitions that support the problem should be made.
In the construction of a theoretical framework, the researcher must meet at least three essential requirements, which are:
- Be willing to familiarize yourself with the theoretical language, in the case of not knowing it.
- The researcher must develop an ability to abstract or concentrate.
- In a quantity of contents with highly varied levels of complexity.
- Prepare to build arguments through the interpretation of your research and under the terms established by the theory.
Parts of a Theoretical Framework
The parts or elements of the theoretical framework are the following:
Research Background
They are the previous studies related to the problem raised, that is to say, investigations carried out previously and that bear some relation with the objective of the study. it is important to avoid confusing the research precedents with the history of the object of study in question.
At this point, the authors and the year in which the studies were carried out, as well as their objectives and main findings, should be noted, making it one of the most important parts of the theoretical framework structure.
Although the antecedents constitute theoretical elements, these can precede the objectives, since their search is one of the first activities that the author must carry out, which will allow to specify and delimit the object of study and therefore the objectives of the research.
Theoretical Bases
They are a set of concepts and propositions that constitute a particular point of view or approach, aimed at explaining the phenomenon or problem posed. This section can be divided according to the topics that make up the topic discussed, or the variables that will be analyzed.
Legal Bases
They are made up of the group of documents of a legal nature that serve as referential testimony and support to the investigation that is carried out.
Variables
they are characteristics that can be measured and analyzed through operationalization. This method consists of decomposing the variables that make up the research problem, starting from the most general to the most specific. These variables can be divided, according to their complexity, into: indices, subscripts, dimensions, areas, aspects, and indicators.
APA Standards for a Theoretical Framework
The APA standards are one of the most widely used styles of representation and organization of information in the social sciences. These are published in manuals, which indicate how an article or scientific research should be presented.
The APA Citation is a set of standards established by the American Psychological Association, which explains how the resources used in research papers should be documented.
Example of a Theoretical Framework
The best way to see the examples of a theoretical framework is by studying the research works that are available on the web, and is that studying the theoretical framework, based on famous authors, is the best way to appreciate all the elements mentioned above.
For example, the University of Chile (a renowned study house on the continent) has given us one of its most important theses and whose theoretical framework is structured in such a way that the elements that comprise it can be appreciated. Below, you can see the downloadable format of said thesis that has been prepared by Sofía Olguín and María Fernanda Zamorano in 2011.
