THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK:Make an inventory of variables

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Research Methods STA630

Lesson 10

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

A theoretical framework is conceptual model of how one theorizes or makes logical sense of the

relationships among several factors that have been identified as important to the problem under study.

These factors which may also be called as variables may have been identified through such processes as

interviews with informants, observations, and literature survey. The theoretical framework discusses the

interrelationships among the variables that are considered to be integral to the dynamics of the situation

being investigated. Developing such a conceptual framework helps us to postulate or hypothesize and

test certain relationships and thus improve our understanding of the dynamics of situation.

From the theoretical framework, then, testable hypotheses can be developed to examine whether theory

formulated is valid or not. The hypothesized relationships can thereafter be tested through appropriate

statistical analysis.

Hence the entire research rests on the basis of the theoretical framework. Even if the testable

hypotheses not necessarily generated, developing a good theoretical framework is central to examining

the problem under investigation.

There is a relationship between the literature survey and the theoretical framework whereby the former

provides a solid foundation for developing the latter. Literature survey helps in the identification of the

relevant variables, as determined by the previous researches. This in addition to other logical

connections that can be conceptualized forms the basis for the theoretical model. The theoretical

framework elaborates the relationships among the variables, explains the theory underlying these

relations, and describes the nature and direction of the relationships. Just as the literature survey sets the

stage for a good theoretical framework, this in turn provides the logical base for developing useable

hypotheses.

From the preceding discussion it can be concluded that a theoretical framework is none other than

identifying the network of relationships among the variables considered important to the study of any

given problem situation. Therefore, the theoretical framework offers the conceptual foundation for

constructing the edifice of research that is to taken in hand.

Specifically a theoretical framework:

Elaborates the relationship among the variables.

Explains the logic underlying these relationships.

Describes the nature, and direction of the relationships.

In the review of literature it is possible that you may come across a number of theories readily available

for adoption as theoretical framework for the study under consideration. Theories are supposed to be

generic whereby they could be applicable to different situations. Some concepts borrowed from such

theories may have to be replaced with arguments, logic explicated, and the framework may be readily

available. It is also possible that the researcher may combine more than one existing theory and come

up with an entirely new framework, and in the process may develop new concepts as well.

However, in the absence of the ready made conceptual framework the researcher may venture to

develop his/her own framework. Though, the researcher has to depend a lot on the existing body of

literature for the identification of variables as well as for developing a rigorous logical argumentation

for the interrelationships among different variables.

Whether the researcher uses a ready-made theoretical framework or explicates an entirely new one,

there are some essential features that have to be taken into consideration. These features may be called

as components of a theoretical framework.

The Components of the Theoretical Framework

A good theoretical framework identifies and labels the important variables in the situation that are

relevant to the problem identified. It logically describes the interconnections among these variables.

Research Methods STA630

The relationships among the independent variables, the dependent variable(s), and if applicable, the

moderating and intervening variables are elaborated.

The elaboration of the variables in the theoretical framework addresses the issues of why or how we

expect certain relationships to exist, and the nature and direction of the relationships among the

variables of interest. At the end, the whole discussion can be portrayed in a schematic diagram. There

are six basic features that should be incorporated in any theoretical framework. These features are:

1. Make an inventory of variables: For developing a framework it appears essential to identify

the factors relevant to the problem under study. These factors are the empirical realities which

can be named at some abstract level called concepts. The concepts taking more than one value

are the variables. In other words the researcher makes an inventory of relevant variables. The

variables considered relevant to the study should be clearly identified and labeled in the

discussion.

2. Specify the direction of relationship: If the nature and direction of relationship can be

theorized on the basis of the findings of previous research, then there should be an indication in

the discussion as to whether the relationship should be positive or negative.

3. Give a clear explanation of why we should expect the proposed relationships to exist.

There should be clear explanation of why we would expect these relationships to exist. The

arguments could be drawn from the previous research findings. The discussions should state

how two or more variables are related to one another. This should be done for the important

relationships that are theorized to exist among the variables. It is essential to theorize logical

relationship between different variables.

4. Make an inventory of propositions: Stipulation of logical relationship between any two

variables means the formulation of a proposition. If such relationships have been proposed

between different variables, it will result in the formulation of a number of propositions. Let us

call such a collection of propositions as an inventory of propositions. Each proposition is

backed up by strong theoretical argumentation.

5. Arrange these propositions in a sequential order: one proposition generates the next

proposition, which generates the next following proposition, which in turn generates the next

following proposition, and so on. This is an axiomatic way of the derivation of propositions.

Resultantly it will provide us a sequentially arranged set of propositions which are interlinked

and interlocked with each other. Theory, if you remember, is an interrelated set of propositions.

Therefore, the present interrelated set of propositions relevant to a particular problem is in fact a

theoretical framework explaining the pathways of logical relationships between different

variables.

6. Schematic diagram of the theoretical model be given: A schematic diagram of the

theoretical framework should be given so that the reader can see and easily comprehend the

theorized relationships.

Example:

Research Question: Why middle class families decline in their size?

By following the guidelines discussed earlier let us develop a theoretical framework.

1. Inventory of variables: Education levels of the couples, age at marriage, working women,

rationalism, exposure to mass media of communication, accessibility to health services,

practicing of family planning practices, aspirations about the education of children, shift to

nuclear families, mobility orientation.

Research Methods STA630

2. Specify the direction of relationship: Higher the education higher the age at marriage. Higher

the education of women greater the chances of their being career women. Higher the education

more the rationalism. Higher the education more selective the exposure to mass media of

communication. Higher the education more the accessibility to health services. Higher the

education more the practicing of family planning practices. Higher the education of the parents

the higher their aspirations about the education of their children. Higher the education of the

couple greater thee chances of shifting to nuclear families. Higher the education of the couples

the higher their mobility orientation.

3. Give a clear explanation of why we should expect the proposed relationships to exist. For

example higher the education higher the age at marriage. One could build up the argument like

this: For purposes of getting high levels of education the youngsters spend about 16 years of

their life in educational institutions. Let us say they complete their education at the age of 22

years. After completing education they spend 2-3 years for establishing themselves in their

careers. During this period continue deferring their marriage. By the time they decide about

their marriage they are about 25 years. Compare this age at marriage with the age at marriage

of 16 years. Obviously with this higher age at marriage there is a reduction in the reproductive

period of women. Similarly we can develop logic in support of other proposed relationships.

4. Make an inventory of propositions. The proposed relationships under item 2 about could be

the examples of propositions.

5. Arrange these propositions in a sequential order. These propositions can be arranged

sequentionally.

6. Schematic diagram of the theoretical model be given

Voluntary Job Turnover:

Inventory of variables:

Equity of pay, job complexity, participation of decision making, job satisfaction, job

performance, labor market conditions, number of organization, personal characteristics,

expectation of finding an alternatives, intentions to quit, job turnover.

Apply all the components of theoretical framework

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