Reference Framework

The theoretical framework of a research consists of a brief compilation and

needs concepts, theories, and regulations that are directly linked to the
theme and the problem of the research. This part of the research allows
elucidate the ideas and purposes of the authors.
The referential framework is also known as the theoretical framework, state of the art or
state of knowledge. This component of the research must be formulated
after clarifying the problem statement and the objectives.
It contains a set of conceptual elements, understood as laws,
principles, sentences, paradigms, categories, and models related to the problem of
investigation.
This set logically defines, exposes, and announces the phenomena of
world to which the theme belongs. Each of the elements must be related
between each other and build an identifiable structure.
Creating the theoretical framework is of utmost importance as it clarifies the points that
Other jobs have already touched on, allows access to basic information to glimpse
the topic and, among other points, places the project within a general framework of science and
the technique.

To create a reference framework, the sources to be consulted must be identified as follows.

like the authors, try to use reliable sources and organize the ideas
redactando de manera clara y precisa.

Characteristics of the referential framework

According to the research topic, the reference framework will be defined.

In general, this is done based on authors and concepts.
The state of the art is developed from research. Sometimes the reference framework
and the state of the art intersect.
The direction given to the topic in the delimitation will guide the content of the framework.
referential.
Formulating the referential framework involves defining the theoretical framework and the conceptual framework.
the legal framework, the historical framework and the background.

Of all the mentioned frameworks, the theoretical framework is mandatory in all

research work. The rest is included according to the question of the
research.
Utility of the referential framework

Within the reference framework, organized concepts are offered that allow
establish the strategies, that is, the approach and vision to tackle the problem.
Additionally, it provides tactics for interpreting the results.

The development of the reference framework helps in preventing errors that may have occurred.
committed other researchers.
Since it includes a background framework, it guides on how to prepare the study.
Considering the points already discussed in previous work, how have they been?
addressed or what sources were used, among others.
Thanks to this framework, the researcher amplifies their study scope and establishes
a guide that focuses on the problem, without straying from the original approach.
It also provides an overview of the state of the issue that is
he/she will study.
A good reference framework leads to the formulation of hypotheses that then
they will be tested in practice.
It works as an inspiration for other lines and areas of research as well as a guide.
to decipher the results obtained

Recommendations for developing the theoretical framework

Firstly, the basic bibliography with which the topic was defined should be reviewed.
and the research problem, to then choose the bibliography with the most
relevance according to the advisor(s).
After this, a process of reading, summarizing, and analysis begins that will be reflected in
cards highlighting the relevant elements directly related to the topic of
research.
These summaries must be assembled in such a way that they are stable and of good quality.
writing including the sources.
Subsequently, the conceptual framework is developed by selecting the terms to be used.
throughout the work and which will be explained in depth in it. For that,
it is recommended to create a glossary.

One must be organized, systematic, and methodological. This is achieved with

the preparation of notes, footnotes, and the author's critical comments of the
project.
When documenting, different types must be taken into account.
tools that exist, among them are concept maps, tables and
the summaries. All these help to synthesize the information.
Coherence and cohesion are vital when drafting the reference framework as
what theoretically supports the project. The conceptual clarity of it depends on
research.

Components
Depending on the type of research being conducted, all of them will be included or not.
marcos cited below:

Theoretical framework

This consists of a detailed description of each important element of the

theory, so that the statement of the problem and its solution will be a
logical deduction of the same. Its purpose is:
Delimit the area to investigate
Suggest research guides or approaches
Compendium of existing knowledge in the area to be investigated
Present general theoretical postulates and propositions that will serve as a basis.
for formulating hypotheses
Operationalize variables and outline theories, techniques, and procedures.

Conceptual framework

In this part of the research, the definitions of the variables are established.
problem and the objectives of the research, as well as the key terms that
will be used frequently.
Those definitions are developed by the researcher according to the context in which they are.
framed the research, definitions from other authors, and to the theory in which it
supports research. This framework is included in studies where it is used
specific terms from other areas.
El marco conceptual intenta ahondar algunos conceptos que deben ser ampliados
to allow a technical compression of the aspects covered in the research.

Background framework
At this point, the results of research work or projects are summarized.
that have delved into the topic being investigated.

Legal framework

If the topic being worked on involves knowledge of laws and regulations, it

include this framework. This happens in research that conducts an analysis or
evaluation of social effects resulting from government reforms.

Historical framework

Sometimes it is relevant to detail how it developed.

Historically, the phenomenon that forms the core of the research. Some
Topics that include this framework are related to the economy of a country or
region.

Definition of Theoretical Framework

1 Definition: Theoretical Framework

The theoretical framework (or conceptual): It is one of the most important phases of a work.
of research, consists of developing the theory that will underpin the project
Based on the problem statement that has been made. There are numerous
possibilities for developing it, which depends on the creativity of the researcher.
Once the subject of study has been selected and the ...
questions that guide the research, the next step is to carry out a
literature review on the topic. This involves searching for sources
documentaries that allow detecting, extracting, and collecting the information of interest
to build the relevant theoretical framework for the proposed research problem.

Importance of the theoretical framework:

Provides the necessary conceptual framework to define the problem,

formulate definitions, substantiate the hypotheses or the claims that later
They will need to be verified and the study results interpreted.
What is the purpose of the theoretical framework:

The main utility of the theoretical framework is to avoid plagiarism and repetitions.
investigations are generally expensive. In undergraduate and postgraduate thesis work
Plagiarisms are rare, but when the synodal members ignore the theoretical framework some
A plagiarist could succeed at least in the short term.

Functions of the theoretical framework:

The theory plays a fundamental role in participating in the production of

new knowledge.
The theory helps guide both research and the epistemological approach.
which is supported as the formulation of questions, and points out the facts
significant ones that must be investigated.
The theory is fundamental because it provides a framework for
interpret the results of the research, for without theory it is impossible
develop a research.
The theory allows the researcher to stay focused.
to say, that this is perfectly centered on its problem and that it prevents the
deviation from the original approach.
The theory makes it easier to establish statements that will later need to be ...
subject to reality verification in fieldwork, process
which helps inspire new lines and areas of research.

Other functions of the theoretical framework:

Helps to prevent mistakes that have been made in other studies.

They guide how the study should be conducted.
Guide the researcher to focus on the problem.
Document the need to conduct the study.
Establish or not the hypothesis that will be tested in reality.
New areas of research.
Provides a framework for interpreting the study results.

Structuring or building the 'theoretical framework': The construction of the theoretical framework
refers to the analysis of theories, research, and background in general that is
consider valid for the proper framing and grounding of the work of
research.
In the construction of the 'theoretical framework,' a written document must be prepared that has
internal coherence, sequential and logical, using quotes from the paragraphs of theories, or
previous work that serves to support the work of
research, where the concepts to be used are defined, the
variables and empirical references, the research approach, what results
has been obtained in other similar research, so that anyone who reads the
conceptual framework can be introduced into the research problem and
understand it without difficulty.

It is the most critical point in the construction of the research project, as here
the scientific foundation of the research study is found, and when the
the project will be evaluated by other researchers if the theoretical framework is not
sufficiently solid, it is likely to be rejected.
A good 'theoretical framework' is not one that contains many pages, but one that addresses
with depth only the aspects related to the problem, and link
logically and coherently the knowledge, concepts, variables, and propositions
existing ones that will be addressed in the research.

Building the 'theoretical framework' does not only mean gathering information, but also linking it.
and interrelate it coherently in a written form, so that it serves as
foundation, as support, that backs the research work to be carried out and
that allows it to be developed with authority.

The reference framework may consist of the following frameworks:

Background framework.
Conceptual framework.
Theoretical framework.
Demographic marco
Geographical framework.
Legal framework.
Historical framework.

Background framework: it is the summary of the results that were found.

by other researchers on topics similar to the general topic or to the topic
specific issues raised, that is, the research already conducted regarding
relationships between the independent and dependent variables of the study.

They can comment, in this context, on the institutional or political reasons that
they facilitated the execution of the project and make the relevant comment on whether the
the topic was taken from a recommendation of a research already conducted or by
to carry out, or if it is replicated from one already done.
Conceptual framework: It is the conceptual elaboration of the problem. It includes the
definitions of the variables considered in the problem and in the objectives of
research, and the key terms that will be used most frequently.
Such definitions are made by the researcher according to their criteria, for the definitions.
proposals by other researchers and, if applicable, to the theory on which it is based
research.

Theoretical framework: It should be developed when one or more theories are identified that
They can provide theoretical basis for the research problem solution. The framework
theoretical will be a detailed description of each of the essential elements of
the theory, in such a way that the formulation of the problem and its solution are one
logical deduction from it. This framework can also be made up of a theory
specific created by the researcher.
The theoretical framework is often confused with the reference framework. It is
It is important to identify that the theoretical framework is included in the referential. Many
Sometimes the theoretical framework is used as the general framework for all frameworks, the
which leads to a disorganized handling of all the obtained bibliographic information.

Demographic profile: it contains relevant demographic characteristics about the

population to study, including sex, age, origin, etc. This framework is basic
in the case of a study with sampling.

Geographical mark: in some cases it is important to delineate the geographical area.

where the study will be conducted, either by specifying the geographical coordinates or
using maps and sketches.

LITERATURE REVIEW
The literature review consists of detecting, obtaining, and consulting the bibliography and
otros materiales que pueden ser útiles para los propósitos del estudio, así como en
extract and gather the relevant and necessary information pertaining to our
research problem (available in different types of documents). This
the review is selective, since—generally—each year it is published in
various parts of the world hundreds of articles from magazines, books, and other types of
materials within the different areas of knowledge. If upon reviewing the literature
We find that, in the area of interest, there are 10,000 references, it is evident.
we will have to select only the most important and recent ones.

Primary sources (direct). Books, anthologies, articles from publications

periodicals, monographs, theses, and dissertations.
Secondary sources. Compilations, summaries, and lists of references
published in a specific area of knowledge.
Tertiary sources. Documents that compiled names and titles of
magazines and other periodical publications, newsletters, conferences and
symposiums.
The secondary and tertiary sources rely on the fact that a secondary source
compiles primary sources, and the tertiary source brings together secondary sources
hand.

Start of the literature review: It is advisable to begin the review of the

literature by consulting one or several experts on the subject and referring to sources
secondary or tertiary.
To identify the literature of interest, which will serve to develop the theoretical framework.
we can go to:
Directly to the primary sources.
Experts in the area to guide the detection of relevant literature.
To tertiary sources to locate secondary sources and places where
obtain information and through it, detect the primary sources of
interest.
Once the primary sources have been identified, they need to be physically located.
in libraries, film archives, newspaper archives, video libraries or wherever they are found.

Subsequently, they are consulted, selecting those that will be useful and discarding
the ones that are useless.

One way to select the primary sources that will be useful to us is

asking themselves the following questions:

Does the reference relate to my research problem? How? What?

What aspects does it address? From what perspective does it approach the topic?: psychological,
anthropological, sociological, communication-logic, administrative? The answer to this
the last question is very important.
The useful references or primary sources selected for the problem of
research, these are carefully reviewed and the necessary information is extracted
to later integrate it and develop the theoretical framework. In this regard, it is advisable
note all complete identification data of the reference.
There are various ways to gather the information that is extracted from the
references, in fact each person can devise their own method according to the
way of working.
Algunos autores sugieren el uso de fichas (Rojas, 1981; Pardinas, 1975; Garza,
1976; and Becker and Gustafson, 1976). However, the information can also be
to collect in loose sheets, notebooks or exercise books; there are even those who record it in
cassettes. The way to collect them is the least important, what's important is that they are extracted.
the necessary data and ideas for the elaboration of the theoretical framework. In any
In case, it is essential to note the complete reference from where it was extracted.
information according to the type of reference in question. (Book chapters,
magazine articles, journalistic; video cassettes and films; submitted papers
in seminars, conferences, congresses and similar events; interviews conducted
to experts; theses and dissertations, unpublished documents.)

Literature review (background)

The literature review is one of the simplest ways to save effort.
in a research. It consists of reviewing and reconstructing already completed works.
made by others and aims to detect, obtain, and consult the bibliography and
other materials that may be useful for the purposes of the study, as well as extracting
and gather the relevant and necessary information that pertains to our problem of
research (available in different types of documents).
This review is selective; considering that every year many are published
parts of the world a large number of magazine articles, books and other types of
materials within the different areas of knowledge will be important
select the relevant and most recent information. However, it should not
it is inferred that all published materials are suitable or reliable sources
of information. The errors that may contain subjective results or
the incompetence of the collector or researcher should be used primarily,
as a guide for the second original sources and, whenever possible,
proceder a la comprobación de las primeras respecto a los datos necesarios.
The sources of information for the literature review will be:
PRIMARY SOURCE: Books, articles, monographs, theses, documents, papers of
research presented at conferences, congresses, and seminars.
SECONDARY SOURCE: Summaries and lists of references published in a
specific area of knowledge. Any secondary source that is used will have
to be subject to verification of any factors that may affect accuracy
or the validity of the information.

OTHER SOURCES: Documents, magazine titles, symposiums, bulletins,

conferences. Therefore, it involves a careful review of the studies
theoretical and practical studies that have already been conducted and are related to the problem
proposed. This review must be done because there is no field of knowledge,
completely new or unexplored.
Every study must take elements from the past and recognize what other people
the researchers have done. Not to carry out a thorough literature review
leads to serious mistakes and to missing the opportunity to do a better job
original and methodologically more objective.
Therefore, the literature review can begin directly with the collection of the
primary sources, a situation that occurs when the researcher knows the location
of the information and is familiar with the field of study.
However, there are cases where there is little material in libraries.
reduced information centers, where many times the collections of
magazines are incomplete or not updated and do not have
very reliable documents.
When the documents or books and research are determined
Theoretical or practical aspects in the literature review must take into account the following:

Título y subtítulo del trabajo y/o artículos, etc., nombre de los autores, objetivos de
as the researchers departed, what theoretical treatment did they give to the work,
research or articles; What conclusion did they reach, then a comment or idea
global of the work, of the documents, articles, etc., consulted.
The types of sources used and the purpose of the compilation.
materials should also be determined if one wants to properly evaluate the
data.
When using any of the published sources, whether they are primary or
secondary, the data must be analyzed within the limits allowed by the
collection methods.
Unless they have been clearly understood, it becomes impossible to specify.
whether the data is applicable to the problem being examined or not.
Thus, the researcher must develop a critical attitude towards all sources.
published, and carefully analyze and evaluate any source you consult.

FUNCTIONS OF THE THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The theoretical framework serves various functions within a research study, here
we present from the position highlighted by Hernández et al. (2003)[1] are the
next:
They help prevent mistakes that have been made in other studies.
Guides on how the study should be conducted.
Broaden the scope of the study or guide the researcher to focus on
your problem, avoiding deviations from the original approach. In the case of
qualitative studies, in which it is not intended to first establish the
study problem, neither focusing on a particular planning nor
delimit it, the theoretical framework can serve to expand our perspective and
give us ideas on how to conceive research from various perspectives
view.
Leads to the establishment of hypotheses or statements that later
they will have to undergo a test of reality. Or, it helps us not to
establish them for well-founded reasons.
Inspires new lines and areas of research.
Provides a framework for interpreting study results.

On the other hand, Tamayo (2012) considers four functions that the framework fulfills.
theoretical and they are as follows:

Delimit the area of investigation: that is, select connected facts.

between each other, through a theory that answers the formulated problem.
Suggest research guides: in the preparation of the theoretical framework, you can
establish new alternative approaches to address the problem; it can
question the problem. The theoretical framework as a research guide has
relationship with the delimitation of the problem.
 To compile existing knowledge in the area to be researched: it is useful.
of the mainstream in which the confirmation of the
research.
Express general theoretical propositions, postulates, frameworks of
reference, which will serve as the basis for formulating hypotheses,
operationalize variables, outline theories of techniques and procedures to
to follow.
Another perspective corresponds to Daros (2002) who considers four functions.
important theoretical framework:

It is possible to describe problems: Something is a problem when it conflicts.

with what was expected to happen, according to previous theory. Given
since the previous theory does not seem to explain the problem, it is urgent to invent another one.
theoretical framework is a reference framework because the problem makes sense in
reference to a theory.
It is a fundamental instrument for the analysis of problems: with a
theory many similar theories can be explained, it is possible that several
theories explain the same problem. In these cases, one of them is adopted.
they.
It gives meaning to facts or phenomena and guides the organization of the
the same: what is a fact in one theory may not be the same in another.
Example: the Earth is not a planet in the geocentric theory and it is in
heliocentric.
It is the integrative axis of the entire research process: without the theoretical framework
The problem makes no sense and it is not possible to proceed with creating a design.
methodological by which to test the hypotheses.

What is a theoretical framework and how to develop it?

Research is the core part of university life, as it allows for

strengthening of students' critical thinking. Although carrying out a
research can be a daunting task, at some point we will all have
to take on the challenge and for that it is important to understand its stages and components
that allow us to generate knowledge.
One of the central points of a research study is the theoretical framework, that set
of ideas, procedures, and theories that will guide your research work. So that you do not
If you have doubts about its importance and how to elaborate it, here we provide you with information.
relevant that will also help you if you are in the process of developing your thesis.
Take note!

What is the theoretical framework?

It is the fundamental part of all research.

It identifies the primary and secondary sources on which it is based.
the research and the study design.
Expand the description of the problem and integrate theory with research and the
factors that are studied.
It is made up of the presentation of postulates from different theorists.
It allows the researcher to have a complete view of the theoretical approaches.
on which the problem and the study methodology will be based in the
phases of observation, experimentation, and conclusion.

Provides information to the researcher to build the conceptual framework that

they will support the research.
Functions
William Daros, Argentine researcher, claims that the theoretical framework has the
following functions:
It allows describing the problems in the investigations, which is why it is also
calling 'reference framework'.
It is a fundamental instrument for the analysis of problems of
research.
It gives meaning to facts or phenomena and guides the organization of the
same.
It is the integrative axis of the entire research process. Without the theoretical framework
the problem makes no sense, we cannot proceed to design
methodological with which to test the hypotheses.
How to develop a theoretical framework?

The construction of the theoretical framework is a very difficult process for those who are just starting out.
in a research, but if you take these steps into account, you will be able to achieve it
successfully and even improve your synthesis and writing skills:
 1. Keep in mind the logical structure for the development of the theoretical framework, as
which is made up of the following elements:
Background of the research: these are those investigations
previously carried out and that are related to your problem in
study.
Theoretical bases: gather a set of concepts and models that
they constitute a specific approach that explains the problem
proposed.
Conceptual bases: they are those precise meanings of the
main concepts, expressions or variables involved in the
problem formulated.
2. Identify the background, the theoretical foundations, and the conceptual foundations of
your research. This will depend on the nature and characteristics of
problem posed and they must explain the interactions of the variables of
study.
3. Consult bibliography on the background, theoretical foundations, and bases.
conceptual aspects of your research. Depending on the type, you will be able to review
theoretical, contextual, or legal aspects that enable you to a
broad knowledge of the subject.
4. Analyze the bibliography meticulously, taking notes where you can.
make your own interpretations of the theory.
Finally, it is time to write, so keep in mind that the writing of the
The theoretical framework consists of two stages:
Detailed exposition of the theory that will be used to define the
research problem:
At this stage, the theories should be presented and reference should be made to the
authors and the intellectual context in which these theories emerged. You must
be precise in the use of terminology and in showing the relationship of the
concepts among themselves, uses textual and bibliographic quotes, seeking
make the author's reflection clear.
Interpretation of the problem under the terms of the theory:
At this stage, the phenomenon of must be described and understood.
research aiming to focus on the problem from its elements and
relationships, this way we can find the nature of the research.
Every research strengthens the consolidation of learning, moreover, it contributes
solutions to various social problems through the development of knowledge. By
Hello, put a lot of effort into your thesis, as it is not only a requirement
for your degree, it is an important sample of your research ability and
professional.
WHAT STRATEGY DO WE FOLLOW TO BUILD THE THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK:
WE ADOPT A THEORY OR DEVELOP A PERSPECTIVE
THEORETICAL?
After extensively discussing the theories, let's return to the topic of
construction of the theoretical framework. As mentioned before, the strategy for
building our framework of reference depends on what the review reveals to us
literature. Let's see what can be done in each case.
Existence of a fully developed theory: When we meet
that there is a theory capable of describing, explaining, and predicting the phenomenon of
logical and consistent manner, and that meets the other evaluation criteria of a
theory that has just been mentioned, the best strategy to build the framework
theoretical is to take that theory as the very structure of the theoretical framework. Now
Well, if we discover a theory that explains the research problem very well.
what interests us, we must be careful not to research something that has already been
studied in depth. Let's imagine someone intends to conduct research
to test the following hypothesis regarding the solar system: "The forces
centripetal forces tend towards the centers of each planet” (Newton, 1983, p. 61). It would be
ridiculous, because it is a hypothesis generated 300 years ago that has been proven
exhaustively and has even become part of popular knowledge.
When we encounter a solid theory that explains the phenomenon or
phenomena of interest, we must give a new approach to our study: starting from
Based on what has already been proven, pose other research questions.
(obviously those that theory has not been able to resolve). It can also happen
that there is a good theory, but that has not been proven or applied to another
context. If so, we may be interested in subjecting it to empirical testing in other
conditions (for example, a theory of the causes of job satisfaction
developed and empirically tested in Japan that we wish to put to the test
in Argentina or Brazil; or a theory of the effects of exposure to content
sexual content on television that has only been studied in adults but not in
adolescents.

In this first case (developed theory), our theoretical framework will consist of
explain the theory, either proposition by proposition or chronologically
(historically developing how the theory evolved). For example, if
we were trying to solve—through our research—the following
Questioning: what are the characteristics of work that are related to
the motivation for work tasks? Upon reviewing the literature we would find
with a highly developed theory, which has been referred to before as the theory
of the relationship between job characteristics and intrinsic motivation.
Our theoretical framework would be based on this theory, incorporating some others.
references of interest. Thus, the framework could have the following structure:

1. Intrinsic motivation regarding work.

What is intrinsic motivation in the workplace context.
The importance of intrinsic motivation at work: its relationship
with productivity.
2. The factors of work.
Organizational factors (organizational climate, policies of the
company, facilities, structural characteristics of the
organization: size, technology, etc.; organization rules;
etc.). (Very briefly treaties because the research is
focused on other aspects).
Performance factors (internal attributions, feelings of
competition and self-determination, etc.). (Also very much treated
briefly for the same reason).
Personal factors (knowledge and personal skills, interest
initial for work and personality variables, needs of
growth and development, etc.). (Also treated very briefly).
Extrinsic reward factors (salary, benefits, and others)
types of rewards). (Commented very briefly).
Characteristics of the job.
Variety of work.
Identification of the individual's work tasks in the product
final.
Importance of work.
Importance assigned by the organization.
Importance attributed by the individual.
Autonomy.
Performance feedback.
Feedback coming from external agents
(superiors, technical supervision, and coworkers, who
also constitutes a form of extrinsic reward).
Feedback coming from the work itself.
Other characteristics.
3. The relationship between job characteristics and intrinsic motivation.
(Here it would be discussed how these characteristics relate to each other and the
forma como se vinculan—como un todo—a la motivación intrínseca. En esta
part of the theoretical framework, the characteristics of the work would be taken into
set, while in section 2.5 they would be taken individually. It is
it would explain the model of the moderators of the relationship between the
características del trabajo y la motivación intrínseca (a manera de resumen).
Another alternative would be to group the organizational factors, those of
performance, personal and extrinsic reward in one section,
since they will only be talked about in very general terms. Thus
we would have a simpler chapter.
Another approach for our theoretical framework would be the chronological one, which, as
we said before consists of historically developing the evolution of the theory
(or analyzing the most important contributions to the problem of
research until reaching the resulting theory). If we developed it
chronologically, we could have the following structure for our
theoretical framework:

. Intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation: a division of

motivation towards work.
. The classic motivational models for studying motivation
intrinsic.
Background.
Victor Vromm.
Frederick Herzberg.
Edward E. Lawler.
Edward L. Dect.
. The model of job redesign
(R. Hackman and G. Oldham)
Within the sections, the characteristics of the work would be discussed that
are considered by each author or approach in particular, as well as their
relationship with intrinsic motivation. In the end, the theory would be included.
resulting, product of years of research. Whether we decide
build the theoretical framework chronologically or break down the structure of
the theory (addressing one by one the propositions and main elements
of her), the important thing is to clearly explain the theory and the way in which
it applies to our research problem.