Research Framework

The Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

Research Framework
A problem exists because of certain reasons. Even if the cause or causes of a problem cannot be pinpointed, its existence may be discussed by examining certain patterns that relate to the problem situation. In explaining the existence of a problem, a researcher may base the explanation on a theory. The connection between a theory and the problem is explained in the THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK. The theoretical framework may be further explained and illustrated in concrete terms using the CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK.

The Rule of Theory ion Research
A theory is a set of concepts which explains the occurrence of a certain phenomenon. It is a statement of relationship between two variables, one acting as the independent variable , another as the dependent variable.

An independent variable is assumed to be the “cause” of the problem, while the dependent variable is the problem itself or the phenomenon being studied

Since one can never be sure whether a given theory provides the best explanation for a set of observation, it is possible to use two or more competing theories and test which theory best explains the problem. A competing theory may also be used to explain the possible confounding influence of other variables on the assumed relationship between the major variables of the study.

Examples of theories that explain behavior

Dissonance theory. According to Festinger (Wicklund and Brehm, 1976) “ Feelings of tension arises when one becomes aware of two conflicting or inconsistent cognitions. A person is motivated to justify his behavior in order to reduce tension when acting contrary to his attitude.”
This theory can be a bsis for this situation:
A religious man who committed adultery may justify his aaction with “ an experience of a moment of weak ness, “ “ Akoy’ tao lamang—natutkso kong minsan”

Self- Perception theory(Bem,1972, in Myers, 1983). “When one is unsure of his/her attitude, he/she infers it back by looking at the behavior and the circumstances under which occurs. When a person’s attitude is weak, he/she simply observes his/her behavior and its circumstances and simply infers what his/her attitude will be”

This theory can be a bsis for this situation:
Man’s attitude is influenced by his actions. A child abuser may tend to have an indifferentattitude towards children.

Theoretical Framework
A theoretical framework presents a theory that explains why a problem under study exists ( Mercado, 1994), and explains the connection between certain factors and problem. The choice of theory depends on the number and nature of variables and the relationship being examined.

The starting point in developing a theory is to review related literature. A background on theories on behavior, education, communication, sociology and anthropology can be very useful.

Functions of a Theoretical Framework

 It provides general framework which can guide the data analysis
 It identify the variables to be measured
 It explains why one variable can possibly affect another
 It limits the scope of data relevant to the framework by focusing on the variables
 It stipulates the specific frame of mind or viewpoint that the researcher will take in analyzing and interpreting the data.

” Not all research studies need a theoretical framework, but relational and causal studies do.”

Concepual Framework
The conceptual framework is a n elaboration of the theoretical framework in concrete terms. The conceptual framework is anchored on the theoretical framework. The conceptual framework needs to be consistent with and related to the theoretical framework. It specifies the variables of the study and the expected flow of relationship among them.

Based on the theory used and/or related literature, the predicted association between variables or the assumed effect of one variable on the other variableis explained. Arguments on how and why a particular factor can possibly influence another a re presented. Findings of related studies may be used to support the argument.

The conceptual framework explains in detail the:
 Variables to be observed in the study
 Assumend connection between the independent and the depended variables.

The conceptual framework is summarized in a paradigm or schematic diagram identifying the hypothesized link between the independent and dependent variables.



Example:

Research Title: “ The effect of Curfew on the Attitude of Students towards their Studies and their Academic Performance”

Many parents or guardians prevent their children from staying out late at night by imposing curfew, so that they can study or perform well in school. But, many students still perform badly in school, even if they are forced to be home early. Is curfew an effective means of improving students‘ attitude towards their studies and consequently their school performance? Does curfew adversely affect students’ school performance?

Theoretical Framework:
“People value their sense of freedom and like to protect an image of efficacy (Baer, et.al.,1980). When social pressure threatens their sense of freedom, they tend to rebel.” According to the theory of psychological reactance, people act to defend their freedom. Experiments have shown that attempts to restrict a person’s freedom often results in a reactive “boomerang effect.” Restricting someone’s movement is also reducing or taking away one’s freedom. Most people use restriction as a preventive measure. For some it may work , for others, it may not. It may produce good result for others, for some, it may do more harm than good.

Conceptual Framework:
Imposing curfew can be viewed as a form of freedom restriction. When students are prevented from staying out late by their parents, and are expected to be home not later than the specified curfew, young students may view this as a curtailment of freedom. While the parents’ intentions are good, they may be perceived by their children as unjust and unfair and they may harbor ill feelings against their parents and rebel. Instead of coming home early, they may even come home very late and drunk to spite their parents. This rebellion can possibly result to irregular attendance in classes, indifference towards their studies and consequently poor grades.
In this study, exposure or non-exposure to curfew serves as the independent variable, while school performance is the dependent variable. If the effect of curfew is positive, those who will be subjected to curfew is expected to have better grades than those who were not subjected to curfew. On the other hand, a negative effect will be evidenced by poor grades, the diagram below shows the expected floow of relationship between variables.