GROUP 2
QUESTION 5
RESEARCH METHODS
a) Differentiate the conceptual framework from the theoretical
framework in Research
• A Conceptual Framework refers to presenting conceptual background of the
variables in terms of definitions available in the literature and the operational
definitions adopted by the researcher.
Theoretical Framework refers to presenting the theories available in the
literature. It facilitates the researcher in building a base for the proposed work
• Conceptual framework is the framework that you are developing after
rigorous literature review & wanted to test the hypotheses associated with
the framework. Sometimes, conceptual framework also called research
model or research framework by different researchers / scholars or after
some refinements / fine-tuning.
Theoretical framework focuses on previous theories, frameworks, models that you were
reviewing during literature review. Normally, a researcher will develop his or her conceptual
framework underpinned on some theoretical frameworks that s/he has reviewed. Usually, without
theoretical frameworks to support your conceptual framework, you might expose to questioning
during article review / thesis viva examination. Theoretical frameworks are important as they serve
as life-saver / base / float in which without them a conceptual framework might sink miserably.
SCOPE. The theoretical framework describes a broader relationship between things. The
conceptual framework is much more specific in defining this relationship. The conceptual
framework specifies the variables that will have to be explored in the investigation
A conceptual framework is the researcher’s idea on how the research problem will have to be
explored. This is founded on the theoretical framework, which lies on a much broader scale of
resolution. The theoretical framework dwells on time tested theories that embody the findings of
numerous investigations on how phenomena occur.
The theoretical framework provides a general representation of relationships between things in a
given phenomenon. The conceptual framework, on the other hand, embodies the specific direction
by which the research will have to be undertaken. Statistically speaking, the conceptual
framework describes the relationship between specific variables identified in the study. It also
outlines the input, process and output of the whole investigation. The conceptual framework is
also called the research paradigm
Theoretical framework basically deals with the various theoretical
underpinnings of your study. Thus, under this section, you can review
all/a number of theories which are considered relevant to your study.
This should constitute their assumptions, strengths,
limitations/criticisms, application in previous studies and applicability
to your study.
When you are done doing this, you can either "adopt" or "adapt" one of
them to serve as your conceptual framework. You can also draw from
more than one of them to create your own conceptual framework.
Conceptual Theoretical
Genesis Created from a variety Evolve from literature review / adapted from
of conceptual and existing theory
theoretical perspectives
Conceptual Meaning Synthesis of relevant Application of a theory as a whole or in part
concepts
Process Underline Inductive –many Deductive –use dominantly in natural science
Review of Literature aspects of different
theoretical perspectives
are brought together
Methodological Approach Located in both quantitative Located mainly in the
and qualitative paradigms quantitative research
paradigm
School of Application Limited to specific research Wider application beyond
problem and / or context the current research
problem and context
Research Base Social Science / Natural Sciences based
Management based research
research
b. The importance of having a conceptual framework in a
research project
The ability to move beyond descriptions of ‘what’ to explanations of ‘why’ and ‘how’.
A means of setting out an explanation set that might be used to define and make sense
of the data that flow from the research question.
An filtering tool for selecting appropriate research questions and related data
collection methods.
A reference point/structure for the discussion of the literature, methodology and
results.
The primary purpose of the conceptual framework is to lead to the hypotheses that are
subject to testing
continued
Helps in formulation of objectives and research question.
Can be used as analysis of the research problem using theory
Helps to explain the research idea to others in a simplified way
Guides the research process.
c) According to Sekaran (2003), a variable is anything that can take on different
values at different times for example, weight, height and age.
d. The main differences between/among a dependent variable,
an independent variable and a moderating variable
Independent variable Dependent Variable Moderating Variable
Presumed cause of the Dependent Presumed effect / outcome / Effect on the relationship between
Variable predicted variable the I.V and D.V
Manipulated in an experiment Value observed by the researcher Modifies the relationship between
(researcher changes) during an experiment the two.
Value of an I.V can be changed Value of a dependent variable
For one independent variable there For more than one dependent
may be more than one dependent variable there is always one
variable independent variable
Usually denoted by ‘X’ Usually denoted by ‘Y’ Denoted as ‘M’
Antecedent (something that existed Consequent (following as a result or
before effect)