6 THEORETICAL CONCEPTUAL DEFINITIONS
Theoretical Framework
The theoretical framework of the study is a structure that can hold or support a theory of a research work. It presents the theory which explains why the problem under study exists.
Presents theory from which research problem was derived or to which it is linked
Theoretical basis of the study
The theoretical framework is but a theory that serves as a basis for conducting research.
How to formulate the theoretical framework?
1.
Specify the theory used as basis for the study.
2.
Mention the proponents of the theory.
3.
Cite the main points emphasized in the theory.
4.
Support his exposition of the theory by ideas from other experts.
5.
Illustrate his theoretical framework by means of a diagram.
6.
Reiterate his theoretical proposition in the study.
Conceptual Framework
After formulating the theoretical framework, the researcher has to develop the conceptual framework of the study.
A concept is an image or symbolic representation of an abstract idea. Chinn and
Kramer (1999) define a concept as a “complex mental formulation of experience”.
While the theoretical framework is the theory on which the study is based, the conceptual framework is the operationalization of the theory.
Conceptual framework
Presents
the relationship between the concepts to be studied Presents
the summary or map of the study
Definition of Terms
What
to include in definitions:
Refer to your title, objectives, and conceptual framework for the concepts, variables, constructs, and terms to be defined
Techniques for defining
Constitutive
definition – “book”
definition
Example:
Communication comes from the word
“communis” meaning to “ make common” (Berlo, 1960).
Operational definitions
- by example
- by genus and differentia
- by stipulation
- by operations necessary to undertake them
Operational Definitions
By
example
Mass media are mediated means of communicating to a large audience.
Examples of these are
The theoretical framework of the study is a structure that can hold or support a theory of a research work. It presents the theory which explains why the problem under study exists.
Presents theory from which research problem was derived or to which it is linked
Theoretical basis of the study
The theoretical framework is but a theory that serves as a basis for conducting research.
How to formulate the theoretical framework?
1.
Specify the theory used as basis for the study.
2.
Mention the proponents of the theory.
3.
Cite the main points emphasized in the theory.
4.
Support his exposition of the theory by ideas from other experts.
5.
Illustrate his theoretical framework by means of a diagram.
6.
Reiterate his theoretical proposition in the study.
Conceptual Framework
After formulating the theoretical framework, the researcher has to develop the conceptual framework of the study.
A concept is an image or symbolic representation of an abstract idea. Chinn and
Kramer (1999) define a concept as a “complex mental formulation of experience”.
While the theoretical framework is the theory on which the study is based, the conceptual framework is the operationalization of the theory.
Conceptual framework
Presents
the relationship between the concepts to be studied Presents
the summary or map of the study
Definition of Terms
What
to include in definitions:
Refer to your title, objectives, and conceptual framework for the concepts, variables, constructs, and terms to be defined
Techniques for defining
Constitutive
definition – “book”
definition
Example:
Communication comes from the word
“communis” meaning to “ make common” (Berlo, 1960).
Operational definitions
- by example
- by genus and differentia
- by stipulation
- by operations necessary to undertake them
Operational Definitions
By
example
Mass media are mediated means of communicating to a large audience.
Examples of these are