, QUESTION 1
LITERATURE REVIEW DESIGN
A) CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK VS THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
A conceptual framework can be defined as a structured representation of the key concepts,
variables, and relationships that a researcher expects to investigate within a study. It acts as
a blueprint, helping the researcher organize ideas and make clear connections between the
phenomena under investigation (Miles, Huberman & Saldaña, 2019). Conceptual
frameworks often emerge from a synthesis of the existing literature and the researcher’s
understanding of the research problem. They are particularly useful in exploratory studies or
research where the phenomenon is complex and multifaceted, allowing the researcher to
focus on how concepts interrelate without relying on rigid theoretical prescriptions.
Conceptual frameworks are typically flexible, allowing modification as new insights arise
during data collection and analysis.
In contrast, a theoretical framework is rooted in pre-existing theories or established bodies
of knowledge. It provides a lens through which the research problem is examined, offering
an interpretive guide to understanding the variables and relationships within a study
(Ravitch & Carl, 2016). Theoretical frameworks are especially critical when the study aims to
test, validate, or extend a particular theory. They provide a solid academic foundation,
ensuring that the study is situated within a recognized scholarly context and that findings
can be meaningfully compared to prior research.
The fundamental difference between the two lies in their origin and purpose. A conceptual
framework is developed by the researcher based on a combination of literature review, prior
empirical findings, and practical understanding of the topic, whereas a theoretical
framework is externally derived from an established theory that provides a structured lens
for interpreting results. While a conceptual framework is dynamic and adaptable, a
theoretical framework is more prescriptive and theory-driven.
LITERATURE REVIEW DESIGN
A) CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK VS THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
A conceptual framework can be defined as a structured representation of the key concepts,
variables, and relationships that a researcher expects to investigate within a study. It acts as
a blueprint, helping the researcher organize ideas and make clear connections between the
phenomena under investigation (Miles, Huberman & Saldaña, 2019). Conceptual
frameworks often emerge from a synthesis of the existing literature and the researcher’s
understanding of the research problem. They are particularly useful in exploratory studies or
research where the phenomenon is complex and multifaceted, allowing the researcher to
focus on how concepts interrelate without relying on rigid theoretical prescriptions.
Conceptual frameworks are typically flexible, allowing modification as new insights arise
during data collection and analysis.
In contrast, a theoretical framework is rooted in pre-existing theories or established bodies
of knowledge. It provides a lens through which the research problem is examined, offering
an interpretive guide to understanding the variables and relationships within a study
(Ravitch & Carl, 2016). Theoretical frameworks are especially critical when the study aims to
test, validate, or extend a particular theory. They provide a solid academic foundation,
ensuring that the study is situated within a recognized scholarly context and that findings
can be meaningfully compared to prior research.
The fundamental difference between the two lies in their origin and purpose. A conceptual
framework is developed by the researcher based on a combination of literature review, prior
empirical findings, and practical understanding of the topic, whereas a theoretical
framework is externally derived from an established theory that provides a structured lens
for interpreting results. While a conceptual framework is dynamic and adaptable, a
theoretical framework is more prescriptive and theory-driven.
