TLDR;
This video explains how to write a theoretical framework for research. It highlights the importance of grounding research in established ideas by presenting and explaining relevant theories and models. The video outlines three key steps: identifying key concepts, evaluating and explaining relevant theories, and showing how your research fits in. It also touches on structuring the framework and integrating it within a thesis or dissertation.
- Identify key concepts from your research questions and define them clearly.
- Evaluate and compare different theories, selecting those most relevant to your research.
- Show how your research uses, tests, or combines existing theories.
Introduction to Theoretical Frameworks [0:00]
A theoretical framework explains the theories that support your research, demonstrating that your work is based on established ideas. The purpose of a theoretical framework is to present and explain the theories and models that other researchers have already developed. Given that there may be multiple theories related to your topic, the framework involves evaluating, comparing, and selecting the most relevant ones.
Identifying Key Concepts [0:38]
The first step in creating a theoretical framework is to identify the key terms from your problem statement and research questions, and then clearly define these terms. This involves picking out the key concepts that are central to your research and providing precise definitions to ensure clarity and focus throughout your study.
Evaluating and Explaining Relevant Theories [0:47]
When writing the theoretical framework, it's important to compare and critically evaluate the approaches proposed by different authors. For example, the video references a comparison between Thomassen's and Zeithaml and Bitner's definitions of customer satisfaction. After discussing various models and theories, you should establish the definitions that best fit your research and justify why they are the most appropriate. In the example provided, Thomassen's definition was chosen for its relevance to the study's aims. In more complex research, you might combine theories from different fields to create a unique framework.
Showing How Your Research Fits In [1:30]
Beyond discussing existing theories, the theoretical framework should illustrate how your own research project will utilise these ideas. This might involve testing whether a theory holds true in a specific context, using a theory as a basis for interpreting your results (as demonstrated in the video's example), critiquing or challenging a theory, or combining different theories in a novel way.
Structure and Integration [2:01]
In a thesis or dissertation, the theoretical framework can be integrated into the literature review chapter. However, if your research involves numerous complex theories, it is advisable to include a separate theoretical framework chapter. While there are no strict rules for structuring a theoretical framework, it is crucial to create a clear and logical structure. If you encounter difficulties, consider structuring each section around a research question or key concept.