Differences Between Theoretical Framework and Conceptual Framework

Summary

This video script explains the differences between theoretical and conceptual frameworks in research, focusing on their definitions, scope, design, and application. Theoretical frameworks are based on existing theories, providing a broader, less structured foundation suited for quantitative research. In contrast, conceptual frameworks are narrower, built around specific variables and concepts created by the researcher, and are more suited for qualitative research. Examples of both frameworks are provided, highlighting their role in different studies. The video emphasizes the importance of choosing the appropriate framework based on the research context.

Takeaways

• 📚 Theoretical framework is based on established theories or paradigms, while conceptual framework is based on the researcher's own model showing variables.
• 📖 Theoretical frameworks use theories that have been tested and validated by other scholars, whereas conceptual frameworks are based on key variables and concepts within the study.
• 🔍 Theoretical framework provides a broad set of ideas related to the study, while conceptual framework is more specific and focuses on narrower ideas.
• 🛠️ The model in a theoretical framework pivots around established results, while a conceptual framework's model is constructed by the researcher to explain links between key variables.
• 🎨 Theoretical frameworks are well-designed, developed, and widely accepted, while conceptual frameworks are a research proposal by the researcher to address a problem.
• 🌐 Theoretical frameworks connect with existing theories, whereas conceptual frameworks link to specific concepts relevant to the study.
• 🌍 The scope of theoretical frameworks is broad, while conceptual frameworks have a narrower scope.
• 🏗️ Theoretical frameworks are less structured and general, while conceptual frameworks are specific, with well-defined structures and identified variables.
• 🔑 Theoretical frameworks are typically used in quantitative research, while conceptual frameworks are more suited to qualitative research.
• 📑 Examples include theoretical frameworks in studies like 'Entrepreneurial Finance and its Impact on E-Business' and conceptual frameworks like 'The Role of Guanxi in Green Supply Chain Management in Asia's Emerging Economies'.

Q & A

What is the key difference between a theoretical framework and a conceptual framework?

A theoretical framework is based on existing, tested, and validated theories from literature, while a conceptual framework is constructed by the researcher to show relationships between variables in a study.

How does the scope of a theoretical framework differ from that of a conceptual framework?

The scope of a theoretical framework is broader, encompassing general ideas and theories, while the scope of a conceptual framework is narrower, focusing on specific variables and concepts in the study.

What type of research is each framework best suited for?

The theoretical framework is best suited for quantitative research, while the conceptual framework is more appropriate for qualitative research.

Can you provide an example of a study that used a theoretical framework?

An example of a study that used a theoretical framework is the article 'Entrepreneurial Finance and its Impact on E-Business,' written by Salman and Jameel in 2017.

What distinguishes the model used in a theoretical framework from that in a conceptual framework?

In a theoretical framework, the model is based on established theories that guide the study, while in a conceptual framework, the model is constructed by the researcher to explain the link between the study’s variables.

How does the design of a theoretical framework differ from that of a conceptual framework?

The theoretical framework is well-developed, widely accepted, and connected to existing theories, whereas the conceptual framework is a proposal by the researcher to answer a research problem and is not universally accepted.

What are some key features of a theoretical framework?

Key features of a theoretical framework include being general, less structured, loosely defined, and derived from existing theories that form the foundation of the research study.

What are some key features of a conceptual framework?

A conceptual framework is more specific, has a definite structure, is clear in definition, and focuses on identifying and explaining the variables of the study.

Can you provide an example of a study that used a conceptual framework?

An example of a study that used a conceptual framework is 'The Role of Guanxi in Green Supply Chain Management in Asia’s Emerging Economies,' written by Gangnam in 2017.

Is it possible to use both theoretical and conceptual frameworks in a single study?

Yes, both frameworks can be used in a single study, as demonstrated in the thesis 'Corporate Governance Practices and Firm Performance of Listed Companies in Sri Lanka' by Hineta Gala in 2011, which utilized both theoretical and conceptual frameworks.