, Question 1 – Literature Review Design (20 marks)
a) Definition and differentiation between a conceptual framework and a
theoretical framework, and which would be more appropriate for this study (10
marks)
A conceptual framework is an analytical tool that guides research by outlining key
concepts, variables, and presumed relationships between them. It serves as a map,
providing a structure for interpreting data and connecting empirical findings to
broader theoretical ideas (Miles, Huberman & Saldaña, 2014). In contrast, a
theoretical framework is grounded in an established theory or set of theories, which
are used to explain phenomena, generate hypotheses, and provide a lens through
which the research problem is analyzed (Ravitch & Riggan, 2017). While a
conceptual framework is often constructed by the researcher based on literature and
practical understanding of the study context, a theoretical framework relies on pre-
existing theoretical propositions. The choice between the two depends on the nature
of the study: exploratory or applied studies often benefit from a conceptual
framework, whereas studies aiming to test, refine, or extend theory require a
theoretical framework. For this particular study, given its aim to investigate specific
patterns and relationships within a defined context, a conceptual framework would
be more appropriate as it allows flexibility in integrating various variables and
concepts drawn from prior empirical research, without being constrained by a single
theory (Maxwell, 2013).
b) Five steps to conduct a literature review for this study using academic
databases (10 marks)
Conducting a literature review systematically ensures the study is grounded in
existing knowledge. The first step involves defining the scope and objectives of the
review, which requires clearly identifying the research question, relevant concepts,
and inclusion or exclusion criteria for selecting literature (Boote & Beile, 2005). The
second step is selecting appropriate academic databases, such as Scopus, Web of
Science, JSTOR, or Google Scholar, which provide access to peer-reviewed articles,
books, and conference proceedings relevant to the field. Third, developing and
a) Definition and differentiation between a conceptual framework and a
theoretical framework, and which would be more appropriate for this study (10
marks)
A conceptual framework is an analytical tool that guides research by outlining key
concepts, variables, and presumed relationships between them. It serves as a map,
providing a structure for interpreting data and connecting empirical findings to
broader theoretical ideas (Miles, Huberman & Saldaña, 2014). In contrast, a
theoretical framework is grounded in an established theory or set of theories, which
are used to explain phenomena, generate hypotheses, and provide a lens through
which the research problem is analyzed (Ravitch & Riggan, 2017). While a
conceptual framework is often constructed by the researcher based on literature and
practical understanding of the study context, a theoretical framework relies on pre-
existing theoretical propositions. The choice between the two depends on the nature
of the study: exploratory or applied studies often benefit from a conceptual
framework, whereas studies aiming to test, refine, or extend theory require a
theoretical framework. For this particular study, given its aim to investigate specific
patterns and relationships within a defined context, a conceptual framework would
be more appropriate as it allows flexibility in integrating various variables and
concepts drawn from prior empirical research, without being constrained by a single
theory (Maxwell, 2013).
b) Five steps to conduct a literature review for this study using academic
databases (10 marks)
Conducting a literature review systematically ensures the study is grounded in
existing knowledge. The first step involves defining the scope and objectives of the
review, which requires clearly identifying the research question, relevant concepts,
and inclusion or exclusion criteria for selecting literature (Boote & Beile, 2005). The
second step is selecting appropriate academic databases, such as Scopus, Web of
Science, JSTOR, or Google Scholar, which provide access to peer-reviewed articles,
books, and conference proceedings relevant to the field. Third, developing and
