Understanding Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks in Research

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Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between a theoretical framework and a conceptual framework?

A theoretical framework is based on researcher's viewpoint, while a conceptual framework is based on established theory. (correct)

A theoretical framework is constructed after data collection, while a conceptual framework is constructed before data collection.

A theoretical framework is used for qualitative studies, while a conceptual framework is used for quantitative studies.

A theoretical framework is an illustration of the researcher's viewpoint, while a conceptual framework is based on established theory.

What is the first step to construct a conceptual framework according to the text?

Construct the main variables for the research process.

Conduct a literature review to gather credible and scientific information.

Finalize the research topic based on academic strand. (correct)

Decide on the variables to be investigated based on gathered literature.

Why is it important to consult published journals for research according to the text?

To increase the word count of the research paper.

To ensure studies are credible, recent, and up-to-date. (correct)

To find easy references for citations.

To copy-paste information for the literature review.

What should researchers do after conducting a literature review for constructing a conceptual framework?

Finalize the main variables to be studied. Signup and view all the answers

How should researchers decide which variables to investigate, as per the text?

Distinguish the main variables to be studied and identify possible relationships based on the gathered literature. Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized in creating the conceptual framework according to the text?

Creating a visual representation of the research process and main variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a conceptual framework in research?

To guide the researchers in constructing the study based on their perspective Signup and view all the answers

In research, what does a theoretical framework refer to?

The theory where the researcher bases their study Signup and view all the answers

How can a conceptual framework benefit research?

By highlighting the significance of the study and guiding researchers in their perspective Signup and view all the answers

What does a conceptual framework offer in a research process?

An illustration of how the entire research process will be explored Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a theoretical framework in research?

To provide the theory on which the study is based Signup and view all the answers

How do conceptual frameworks and theoretical frameworks differ?

Conceptual frameworks help in deciding variables to investigate, while theoretical frameworks guide literature review processes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between conceptual definitions and operational definitions?

Conceptual definitions are theoretical meanings, while operational definitions refer to how variables are measured or used. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an operational definition?

Profit is the total revenue generated by a company. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to precisely define terms in a research study?

Precise definitions reduce ambiguity and ensure consistent understanding among researchers. Signup and view all the answers

Which step should a researcher take after developing a conceptual framework for a study?

Finalize the research topic and questions to investigate. Signup and view all the answers

When deciding on variables to investigate, what role does a conceptual framework play?

It guides researchers by outlining relationships between variables of interest. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges might researchers face if they do not precisely define terms in their study?

Difficulty in replicating the study due to lack of clear definitions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Constructing a Conceptual Framework

A conceptual framework is an illustration of the researcher's viewpoint of the study, whereas a theoretical framework is based on an established theory.

Steps to Construct a Conceptual Framework

Finalize the research topic by choosing a topic based on interest and academic strand.
Conduct a literature review using credible and scientific sources, consulting published journals for recent and up-to-date studies.
Decide which variables to investigate by distinguishing main variables and identifying possible relationships based on gathered literature.
Construct the conceptual framework using related studies, emphasizing main variables and the research process.

Importance of Defining Terms

Defining terms is necessary to establish boundaries on how certain terms will be used in the study.
Conceptual definitions provide the theoretical or abstract meaning of a concept.
Operational definitions refer to how a variable was used or measured in the study.

Examples of Definitions

Conceptual definition: Profit is the difference between the amount earned and the amount spent in buying, operating, or producing something.
Operational definition: Profit refers to the amount earned in selling garments for the month of January.
Conceptual definition: Self-esteem is the degree of one's own worth and respect.
Operational definition: Self-esteem refers to the score gained in the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES).
Conceptual definition: Current refers to the movement of electricity in a particular direction.
Operational definition: Current is the rate at which an electric charge flows measured in Amperes.

Consequences of Not Defining Terms

Not precisely defining terms used in the study can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of results.

Significance of the Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework guides the researcher to construct the study according to their perspective.
It highlights the significance of the study and explains the relationships of concepts in the study.

Benefits of a Conceptual Framework

A conceptual framework benefits research by providing a clear illustration of the research process and relationships between concepts.

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Description

Learn about the differences between theoretical frameworks and conceptual frameworks in research. Explore how to construct a conceptual framework for a study, including finalizing the research topic and conducting a literature review.