Framing the Theoretical

Framework
Marco D. Meduranda
February 17, 2018
MLQU Space
 OBJECTIVES
• Choosing the theory
• Developing the
Framework
• Using the I.P.O. Model
• Examples of theoretical
framework
 Understanding theory, framework and
theoretical framework
 Theory' is derived from the
Greek word theoria, meaning
viewing, contemplating or
explaining.
 It is thus, what others have
conceived or propounded for
the purpose of viewing,
contemplating or explaining
phenomena
Understanding theory, framework and
theoretical framework
•Framework refers to that part
of a structure that provides
shape and support.
•Since framework provides
shape and support, the
framework is like the skeleton
in human body.
Understanding theory, framework and
theoretical framework

• Theoretical framework
is a set of theories put
together to provide a
basis or support for
viewing, contemplating
or explaining
phenomena.
The theoretical framework strengthens
the study in the following ways:
• An explicit statement
of theoretical assumptions
permits the reader to evaluate
them critically.
• The theoretical framework
connects the researcher to
existing knowledge. Guided by a
relevant theory, you are given a
basis for your hypotheses and
choice of research methods.
 The theoretical framework strengthens
the study in the following ways:
• Articulating the theoretical assumptions of a
research study forces you to address questions of
why and how. It permits you to intellectually
transition from simply describing a phenomenon
you have observed to generalizing about various
aspects of that phenomenon.
• Having a theory helps you identify the limits to
those generalizations. A theoretical framework
specifies which key variables influence a
phenomenon of interest and highlights the need to
examine how those key variables might differ and
under what circumstances.
 PROBLEMS THAT RESEARCHERS WITH
LESS EXPERIENCE HAVE IN THEORY
SELECTION (Casanave et al., 2015)
• No framework
• Inappropriate framework
• The framework does not link up
with data
• Imbalance between a theory and
data
• Incomplete, superficial or
inconsistent treatment of a
theory
• Misinterpretation of a theory
 Here are some strategies to develop of
an effective theoretical framework:
• Examine your thesis title and
research problem. The research
problem anchors your entire study and
forms the basis from which you
construct your theoretical framework.
• Brainstorm about what you consider
to be the key variables in your
research. Answer the question, "What
factors contribute to the presumed
effect?"
Here are some strategies to develop of
an effective theoretical framework:
• Review related literature to find how
scholars have addressed your research
problem. Identify the assumptions from
which the author(s) addressed the problem.
• List the constructs and variables that
might be relevant to your study. Group
these variables into independent and
dependent categories.
• Discuss the assumptions or
propositions of this theory and point out
their relevance to your research.
How should the theoretical framework
be formulated?
1. specifies the theory used as basis for the
study
2. mentions the proponents of the theory
3. cites the main points emphasized in the
theory
4.Supports his exposition of the theory by ideas
from other experts;
5. illustrates his theoretical framework by
means of a diagram; and,
6. reiterates his theoretical proposition in the
study.
 SELECTING A THEORY FOR YOUR
RESEARCH
 The choice of a suitable theory or
theories should begin with
identifying the research problem,
goal, and questions
 One should start with a logic
model of the problem and then
identify potential solutions
 Writing the theoretical framework
• Clearly describe the framework, concepts, models, or specific
theories
• Position your theoretical framework within a broader
context of related frameworks, concepts, models, or theories
• Use the present tense
• Makeyourtheoreticalassumptionsexplicit
• Be aware of the limitations of your theoretical framework
 IPO Model
• The input–process–output (IPO) model, or input-process-
output pattern, is a widely used approach in systems
analysis and software engineering for describing the structure of an
information processing program or other process.
 Theoretical Framework using IPO Model

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

• Characterization of Female
• Text-based analysis
Protagonists in five classic
• Philosophical analysis using
Filipino films
Marcellian Existentialism
• Himala - Elsa
• Creative Fidelity
• Insiang – Insiang
• Exigence
• Tinimbang ka Ngunit
• Presence
Kulang – Kuala
• Hope and Existential
• Tatlong Taong Walang
Self
Diyos – Rosario
• Itim – Teresa
• Marcellian Existentialism
 KEY LEARNING POINTS
• Theories are formulated to explain, predict,
and understand phenomena and, in many
cases, to challenge and extend existing
knowledge within the limits of critical
bounding assumptions.
• The theoretical framework is the structure
that can hold or support a theory of a
research study.
• The theoretical framework introduces and
describes the theory that explains why the
research problem under study exists.