THEORETICAL
FRAMEWORK
A theoretical
framework is conceptual model of how one theorizes or makes logical sense of
the relationships among several factors that have been identified as important
to the problem under study. These factors which may also be called as variables
may have been identified through such processes as interviews with informants,
observations, and literature survey. The theoretical framework discusses the interrelationships
among the variables that are considered to be integral to the dynamics of the
situation being investigated. Developing such a conceptual framework helps us
to postulate or hypothesize and test certain relationships and thus improve our
understanding of the dynamics of situation.
From the
theoretical framework, then, testable hypotheses can be developed to examine
whether theory formulated is valid or not. The hypothesized relationships can
thereafter be tested through appropriate statistical analysis.
Hence the entire
research rests on the basis of the theoretical framework. Even if the testable hypotheses
not necessarily generated, developing a good theoretical framework is central
to examining the problem under investigation.
There is a
relationship between the literature survey and the theoretical framework whereby
the former provides a solid foundation for developing the latter. Literature
survey helps in the identification of the relevant variables, as determined by
the previous researches. This in addition to other logical connections that can
be conceptualized forms the basis for the theoretical model. The theoretical framework
elaborates the relationships among the variables, explains the theory
underlying these relations, and describes the nature and direction of the
relationships. Just as the literature survey sets the stage for a good
theoretical framework, this in turn provides the logical base for developing
useable hypotheses.
From the
preceding discussion it can be concluded that a theoretical framework is none
other than identifying the network of relationships among the variables
considered important to the study of any given problem situation. Therefore,
the theoretical framework offers the conceptual foundation for constructing the
edifice of research that is to taken in hand.
Specifically a
theoretical framework:
• Elaborates the
relationship among the variables.
• Explains the
logic underlying these relationships.
• Describes the
nature, and direction of the relationships.
In the review of
literature it is possible that you may come across a number of theories readily
available for adoption as theoretical framework for the study under
consideration. Theories are supposed to be generic whereby they could be
applicable to different situations. Some concepts borrowed from such theories
may have to be replaced with arguments, logic explicated, and the framework may
be readily available. It is also possible that the researcher may combine more
than one existing theory and come up with an entirely new framework, and in the
process may develop new concepts as well.
However, in the
absence of the readymade conceptual framework the researcher may venture to develop
his/her own framework. Though, the researcher has to depend a lot on the
existing body of literature for the identification of variables as well as for
developing a rigorous logical argumentation for the interrelationships among
different variables. Whether the researcher uses a ready-made theoretical
framework or explicates an entirely new one, there are some essential features
that have to be taken into consideration. These features may be called as
components of a theoretical framework.
The Components
of the Theoretical Framework
A good
theoretical framework identifies and labels the important variables in the
situation that are relevant to the problem identified. It logically describes
the interconnections among these variables. The relationships among the
independent variables, the dependent variable(s), and if applicable, the moderating
and intervening variables are elaborated.
The elaboration
of the variables in the theoretical framework addresses the issues of why or
how we expect certain relationships to exist, and the nature and direction of
the relationships among the variables of interest. At the end, the whole
discussion can be portrayed in a schematic diagram. There are six basic
features that should be incorporated in any theoretical framework.
These features
are:
1. Make an
inventory of variables: For developing a framework it appears essential to
identify the factors relevant to the problem under study. These factors are the
empirical realities which can be named at some abstract level called concepts.
The concepts taking more than one value are the variables. In other words the
researcher makes an inventory of relevant variables. The variables
considered relevant to the study should be clearly identified and labeled in
the discussion.
2. Specify the
direction of relationship: If the nature and direction of relationship can be
theorized on the basis of the findings of previous research, then there should
be an indication in the discussion as to whether the relationship should be
positive or negative.
3. Give a clear
explanation of why we should expect the proposed relationships to exist.
There should be
clear explanation of why we would expect these relationships to exist. The arguments
could be drawn from the previous research findings. The discussions should
state how two or more variables are related to one another. This should be done
for the important relationships that are theorized to exist among the
variables. It is essential to theorize logical relationship between different
variables.
4. Make an
inventory of propositions: Stipulation of logical relationship between any
two variables means the formulation of a proposition. If such relationships
have been proposed between different variables, it will result in the
formulation of a number of propositions. Let us call such a collection of
propositions as an inventory of propositions. Each proposition is backed
up by strong theoretical argumentation.
5. Arrange these
propositions in a sequential order: one proposition generates the next proposition,
which generates the next following proposition, which in turn generates the
next following proposition, and so on. This is an axiomatic way of the
derivation of propositions. Resultantly it will provide us a sequentially
arranged set of propositions which are interlinked and interlocked with each
other. Theory, if you remember, is an interrelated set of propositions. Therefore,
the present interrelated set of propositions relevant to a particular problem
is in fact a theoretical framework explaining the pathways of logical
relationships between different variables.
6. Schematic
diagram of the theoretical model be given: A schematic diagram of the theoretical
framework should be given so that the reader can see and easily comprehend the theorized
relationships.\
Example:
Research
Question: Why middle class families decline in their size?
By following the
guidelines discussed earlier let us develop a theoretical framework.
1. Inventory of
variables:
Education levels of the couples, age at marriage, working women, rationalism,
exposure to mass media of communication, accessibility to health services, practicing
of family planning practices, aspirations about the education of children,
shift to nuclear families, mobility orientation.
2. Specify the
direction of relationship: Higher the education higher the age at marriage.
Higher the education of women greater the chances of their being career women.
Higher the education more the rationalism. Higher the education more selective
the exposure to mass media of communication. Higher the education more the
accessibility to health services. Higher the education more the practicing of
family planning practices. Higher the education of the parents the higher their
aspirations about the education of their children. Higher the education of the couple
greater thee chances of shifting to nuclear families. Higher the education of
the couples the higher their mobility orientation.
3. Give a clear
explanation of why we should expect the proposed relationships to exist. For example
higher the education higher the age at marriage. One could build up the
argument like this: For purposes of getting high levels of education the
youngsters spend about 16 years of their life in educational institutions. Let
us say they complete their education at the age of 22 years. After completing
education they spend 2-3 years for establishing themselves in their careers. During
this period continue deferring their marriage. By the time they decide about their
marriage they are about 25 years. Compare this age at marriage with the age at
marriage of 16 years. Obviously with this higher age at marriage there is a
reduction in the reproductive period of women. Similarly we can develop logic
in support of other proposed relationships.
4. Make an
inventory of propositions. The proposed relationships under item 2 about could
be the examples of propositions.
5. Arrange these
propositions in a sequential order. These propositions can be arranged sequentionally.
6. Schematic
diagram of the theoretical model be given
Voluntary Job
Turnover:
• Inventory of
variables:
• Equity of pay,
job complexity, participation of decision making, job satisfaction, job performance,
labor market conditions, number of organization, personal characteristics, expectation
of finding an alternatives, intentions to quit, job turnover.
• Apply all the
components of theoretical framework
