Untitled Quiz

Theoretical Framework

• A framework that supports a research study's theory.
• A crucial first step in research papers, theses, or dissertations.
• Provides the theoretical assumptions for a study.
• Guides the research focus and data analysis.

Guiding Research

• Guides research by providing a systematic way to look at the problem being studied.
• Based on existing theories and concepts.
• Helps researchers interpret data and understand relationships between variables.

Components of Theoretical Framework

• Key Concepts and Variables:
  • Introduces key variables and concepts relevant to the research topic.
  • For example, in a study about social media's impact on youth behavior, "social media usage" and "youth behavior" are concepts.
• Theoretical Perspectives:
  • Should reference relevant theories or models.
  • Explains relationships between variables.
  • If studying organizational behavior, examples include Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory.
• Relationships Between Variables:
  • Explains how key concepts/variables interact.
  • Explains underlying assumptions and theoretical basis for these relationships.
  • Guides data collection and analysis.
• Research Questions or Hypotheses:
  • Often aligned with study's research questions or hypotheses.
  • Provides a structure for the study's aim and focus.

Developing a Theoretical Framework

• Review the literature:
  • Identify major theories, concepts, and models related to the research topic.
  • For example, if studying social media's impact on mental health, explore Social Comparison Theory or Media Dependency Theory.
• Select the relevant theory/model:
  • Choose a theory or combination of theories aligning with the research topic.
  • The theory explains why certain phenomena happen or how variables are connected.
• Define key variables:
  • Clearly define variables in the study.
  • Explain how they relate to each other (based on the selected theory).
  • This helps form research questions/hypotheses.
• Develop the framework:
  • Create a conceptual diagram or narrative summarizing relationships between variables and theories.
  • Acts as a visual/textual representation of the research.
• Link the framework to research:
  • Show how the theoretical framework informs research design, methodology, and data interpretation.
  • Ensures the research is anchored in a theoretical context.

Example: Impact of Work-Life Balance on Employee Productivity

• Key Concepts/Variables:
  • Work-life balance (independent variable).
  • Employee productivity (dependent variable).
  • Other possible variables: job satisfaction, stress levels, organizational support.
• Theoretical Perspectives:
  • Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: If work-life balance is good, physiological and psychological needs are met, leading to higher productivity.
  • Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model: Balanced work demands with resources (like time for personal life) lead to better health, job satisfaction, and increased productivity.
• Relationships Between Variables:
  • Improved work-life balance reduces stress and burnout.
  • This leads to increased employee satisfaction and productivity.
  • Job resources (flexibility and support) may mediate these relationships.
• Research Questions/Hypotheses:
  • How does work-life balance affect employee productivity?
  • Employees with better work-life balance are more productive.

Importance of Theoretical Framework

• Guides research: Provides a clear path.
• Clarifies relationships: Helps understand how different variables are connected.
• Justifies study: Explains why certain aspects of the problem are being studied.
• Supports interpretation: Contextualizes findings within existing knowledge.

Conclusion

• A theoretical framework is crucial for any research.
• It lays the foundation for understanding the topic.
• Provides structure to the study.
• Connects research to existing theories.
• Provides deeper understanding of variables and relationships.
• Grounded in established knowledge, improving clarity and impact.