Constructing a Theoretical Framework

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Desjardins (2010) states a theoretical framework is a logically structured representation of the concepts, variables, and relationships involved in a specific study with the purpose of clearly identifying what will be explored, examined, measured or described. The theoretical framework introduces and describes the theory that clarifies the reason for the research problem. The information found in the theoretical framework expresses to the reader why the research problem was chosen, provides a clear hypothesis and gives a description of the theory. In short, the theoretical framework serves as a guide to why the research problem is significant and how the research problem will be investigated.

The theoretical framework is an important component of a research problem. It should be constructed in a way that demonstrates a sound understanding of the theories and concepts that are related to the research problem. The researcher also needs to be knowledgeable about the current and historical literature as it relates to the topic being researched. This is a critical component in the theoretical framework because it reduces the possibility of biasness in the research. A clear connection also needs to be made between the current study’s underlying theory and the study’s findings (Theoretical Framework in Dissertations: A Brief Discussion, 2010). Each construct in the problem, purpose statement, and the research questions needs to have literature to support the construct. The understanding that is demonstrated should also relate to extended fields of knowledge that include the research problem.

Obtaining the knowledge to demonstrate an understanding of the theories and concepts of the research problem is not an easy task. ...

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