What is a Theoretical Framework |Significance & Types

Do you know that a theoretical framework is a foundational structure? Further, it enables you to provide a rationale for the research study by connecting it to existing theories and concepts. It acts as a roadmap that guides the analysis process and helps to explain the relationship between mixed variables. Thus, it supports by providing a structure for the complete research process. Further, there are various types of theoretical frameworks. Some of them may involve conceptual, deductive, and others.

Conceptual can help you define the key concepts and connections. But, normative can enable you to define a set of norms that guide behaviour. Thus, it is used in ethics and social sciences. In case, you are struggling to understand what is a theoretical framework, you can check online sources for further help. The following are some of the various types and significance of theoretical frameworks.

Importance of Theoretical Framework

The significance of the theoretical framework is to help you in the following ways during your research process.

• It helps you with a structure for the complete research process.
• Also, it assists you in incorporating formal theories into your study as a guide.
• It provides you with wide guidelines to maintain the research focus.
• Further, it guides the selection of research methods and data collection.
• Assist you in understanding the connection between various concepts and develop hypotheses and research questions.
• It helps you address gaps in the existing literature.
• You can explore data collection and draw meaningful conclusions. It makes your findings more generalizable.

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Different Types of Theoretical Frameworks

There are different types of theoretical frameworks in research. They may involve conceptual, deductive, and other types. Inductive enables you to start with data and then develop a hypothesis. Further, it is generally used in qualitative research. Yet, if you have no time to write your task, you can get help from tools like Instant Assignment Help. Besides, an explanatory theoretical framework helps you explain the causes of particular behaviour. Moreover, it is used in psychology and social science. Normative is also one of its type and it defines a set of norms that guides behaviour. Deductive can aid you in starting with a general hypothesis and then using data to test it. So below are some of the various types of theoretical frameworks mentioned.

Descriptive

A descriptive theoretical framework can enable you to explain a phenomenon or a concept in detail. Further, it provides a snapshot of the current state of knowledge and helps to identify patterns. With it, you can also identify trends and relationships.

For example: It is used to examine the features of a specific population, such as the demographics of a city or the characteristics of a new disease.

Explanatory

With the help of an explanatory theoretical framework, you can explain why a phenomenon occurs and how it works. It gives insights into the underlying mechanisms and processes that shape the phenomenon.

For example: It is basically used to investigate the causes of social issues such as crime or poverty.

Predictive

This type of theoretical framework aims to forecast future events or outcomes. It utilise statistical models and data analysis to identify patterns and threads. Also, it can be used to make predictions.

For example: Thus, it enables you to forecast the effect of climate change on a specific region or industry.

Prescriptive

Prescriptive theoretical frameworks can help you provide guidance on how to solve a isuue or address a specific issue. Also, it offers advice and strategies for actions.

For example: Yet, it is regarded as a side that prescriptive theoretical frameworks develop a new policy to address a social issue such as healthcare or education.

Conceptual

It focuses on developing new concepts or models. Yet, it can provide with you a foundation for further analysis and help to advance knowledge in a specific field.

For example: It is used to develop a new theory of learning or a new model of organisational behaviour.

Deductive

A deductive framework starts with a known theory and then tests it in real life. You can begin by reviewing established theories, and it develops specific hypotheses based on precise theories. Thus, these hypotheses are tested through data collection and analysis to see if the theory holds in a particular context.

For example: You can use Herzberg's motivation theory and test whether recognition improves job satisfaction. Though it is logically structured and moves from general ideas to specific evidence.

Normative

You may know that it concentrates more on what should be instead of what is. You can also use it to check values and ideas in society. Unlike other research that simply explains what is happening, a normative framework digs deeper and asks, is this fair?

For example: It uses Rawls' theory of justice to argue that wealth should be distributed fairly. Also, it helps you to explore policies or actions that align with that ideal. Further, you can use it in philosophy and ethics to guide judgements.

Conclusion

As mentioned above, a theoretical framework is considerde a research that can be defined as a set of concepts and ideas. It enables you to understand a specific phenomenon or problem. It is generally regarded as a blueprint that is borrowed by researchers to develop a thorough research query. Further, it is crucial in various ways. Yet, it can explain the relationships between many ideas and add to existing knowledge.

There are diverse types of theoretical frameworks. Some of them may include empirical, normative, inductive, and others. Explanatory can enable you to explain the cases of specific behaviour. Moreover, it is used in social science and psychology. If you want to know what is a theoretical framework, you can read this article to get more information.

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