RCE2601
ASSIGNMENT 4
ANSWERS 2025
RCE2601 ASSIGNMENT 4 ANSWERS
2025
,RCE2601 ASSIGNMENT 4
Assignment Title: Problem-Based Application of Research Concepts
Question 1 – Literature Review Design (20 marks)
a) Conceptual framework versus theoretical framework: definition,
differentiation, and appropriateness for this study (10 marks)
Definitions and distinctions
- Conceptual framework: A network of concepts or constructs that delineates the key
variables relevant to the study and the presumed relationships among them. It is
often used to organize literature, map how the researcher will measure constructs,
and provide a schematic model of how the phenomena of interest (e.g., learner
engagement, use of digital tools, classroom practices) are related. A conceptual
framework is typically descriptive and analytic rather than theory-driven; it helps to
situate the study within the existing literature by highlighting the constructs to be
examined and how they are interlinked (Creswell & Creswell, 2017; O’Leary, 2014).
- Theoretical framework: A set of coherent theories or a single overarching theory
that explains why the relationships among the constructs are as they are. It provides
interpretive lenses, guides the development of research questions or hypotheses,
and informs the interpretation of findings by anchoring them in established
theoretical propositions (Neuman, 2014; Creswell & Poth, 2018). A theoretical
framework often originates from, or integrates, a well-established theory (e.g.,
constructivism, sociocultural theory), and it's used to derive expectations about
phenomena and to illuminate mechanisms or processes.
Differentiation in practice
, - Level of generalizability: Conceptual frameworks are generally more descriptive
and context-specific, focusing on how variables are defined and interrelated in the
studied setting. Theoretical frameworks aim to connect findings to broader
explanations and mechanisms that may extend beyond the immediate context.
- Use in analysis: A conceptual framework helps organize measurement and data
collection around specified constructs; a theoretical framework provides a lens to
interpret patterns, explain why relationships exist, and extrapolate implications
beyond the data.
- Source of guidance: Conceptual frameworks are often built from a synthesis of the
literature on key concepts; theoretical frameworks are anchored in established
theories that offer prior propositions about causality, meaning-making, or social
processes.
Application to this study
For a study examining the impact of technology-enhanced teaching on learner
engagement in South African secondary schools, both frameworks offer distinct but
complementary value:
- Conceptual framework: It would clearly define and link key constructs such as
learner engagement (behavioral engagement, cognitive engagement, emotional
engagement), technology use (digital tools, platforms, devices, access), teacher
practices (pedagogical strategies, digital literacy, TPACK-related integration), and
outcomes (engagement, motivation, achievement). A diagram or matrix would
illustrate hypothesized relationships (e.g., higher-quality integration of technology
into pedagogy is associated with greater cognitive engagement and motivation).
- Theoretical framework: A theory-to-practice backbone is advantageous for
explaining why and how technology-enhanced teaching affects engagement. Two
viable options are:
- Engagement Theory (Kearsley & Shneiderman, 1998): posits that meaningful
learning occurs when technology, pedagogy, and social activities are organized
ASSIGNMENT 4
ANSWERS 2025
RCE2601 ASSIGNMENT 4 ANSWERS
2025
,RCE2601 ASSIGNMENT 4
Assignment Title: Problem-Based Application of Research Concepts
Question 1 – Literature Review Design (20 marks)
a) Conceptual framework versus theoretical framework: definition,
differentiation, and appropriateness for this study (10 marks)
Definitions and distinctions
- Conceptual framework: A network of concepts or constructs that delineates the key
variables relevant to the study and the presumed relationships among them. It is
often used to organize literature, map how the researcher will measure constructs,
and provide a schematic model of how the phenomena of interest (e.g., learner
engagement, use of digital tools, classroom practices) are related. A conceptual
framework is typically descriptive and analytic rather than theory-driven; it helps to
situate the study within the existing literature by highlighting the constructs to be
examined and how they are interlinked (Creswell & Creswell, 2017; O’Leary, 2014).
- Theoretical framework: A set of coherent theories or a single overarching theory
that explains why the relationships among the constructs are as they are. It provides
interpretive lenses, guides the development of research questions or hypotheses,
and informs the interpretation of findings by anchoring them in established
theoretical propositions (Neuman, 2014; Creswell & Poth, 2018). A theoretical
framework often originates from, or integrates, a well-established theory (e.g.,
constructivism, sociocultural theory), and it's used to derive expectations about
phenomena and to illuminate mechanisms or processes.
Differentiation in practice
, - Level of generalizability: Conceptual frameworks are generally more descriptive
and context-specific, focusing on how variables are defined and interrelated in the
studied setting. Theoretical frameworks aim to connect findings to broader
explanations and mechanisms that may extend beyond the immediate context.
- Use in analysis: A conceptual framework helps organize measurement and data
collection around specified constructs; a theoretical framework provides a lens to
interpret patterns, explain why relationships exist, and extrapolate implications
beyond the data.
- Source of guidance: Conceptual frameworks are often built from a synthesis of the
literature on key concepts; theoretical frameworks are anchored in established
theories that offer prior propositions about causality, meaning-making, or social
processes.
Application to this study
For a study examining the impact of technology-enhanced teaching on learner
engagement in South African secondary schools, both frameworks offer distinct but
complementary value:
- Conceptual framework: It would clearly define and link key constructs such as
learner engagement (behavioral engagement, cognitive engagement, emotional
engagement), technology use (digital tools, platforms, devices, access), teacher
practices (pedagogical strategies, digital literacy, TPACK-related integration), and
outcomes (engagement, motivation, achievement). A diagram or matrix would
illustrate hypothesized relationships (e.g., higher-quality integration of technology
into pedagogy is associated with greater cognitive engagement and motivation).
- Theoretical framework: A theory-to-practice backbone is advantageous for
explaining why and how technology-enhanced teaching affects engagement. Two
viable options are:
- Engagement Theory (Kearsley & Shneiderman, 1998): posits that meaningful
learning occurs when technology, pedagogy, and social activities are organized
