Essay Sample on Differences Between Conceptual and A Theoretical Framework

Introduction

To understand the difference between a conceptual framework and a theoretical framework, it is crucial to understand the meaning of the term concept as well as the term theory. The term concept has been defined as a symbolic representation of an abstract idea (Valencia-GO, 2015). Concepts have also been defined as the critical elements of a theory used in representing abstract ideas (Salmons, 2015). On the other hand, a theory has been defined as a group of interrelated concepts used in structuring a particular phenomenon to explain or predict such a phenomenon. Therefore, a theory has been described as a blueprint of a research.

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In many studies, researchers interchangeably use conceptual and theoretical frameworks (Kaakinen, Coehlo, Steele, & Robinson, 2018; Patrick, 2018; Swain, 2016). Grant and Osanloo (2014) provided an excellent explanation of the differences between the conceptual and theoretical framework. The authors noted that even though conceptual frameworks are sometimes known as theoretical frameworks, these terms are neither the same or interchangeably used (Terry, 2017). The authors stated that one of the ways in which the two terms can be distinguished is examining where both of them are derived or rooted.

One of the ways in which the two terms are distinguished is that a theoretical framework is rooted in existing theory or group of theories found in the literature. Consequently, it can be concluded that a theoretical framework has been empirically tested and found to be valid by others and thus, an acceptable theoretical basis in the scholarly literature. Because of this, it has been reported to be the lens used by a researcher to understand the world. In quantitative research studies or dissertations, theoretical frameworks are developed before the collection of data. However, it can also be developed as the dissertation process is underway. On the other hand, in qualitative research studies, theoretical frameworks begin in a less structured or a structured manner. This is aimed at keeping the researcher from developing preconceptions on the results of the studies.

Unlike the theoretical framework, Grant and Osanloo (2014) explained that the conceptual framework is the researchers' understanding or knowledge of how the research problem or the topic of interest to the study will be addressed. Additionally, unlike the theoretical framework, the conceptual framework shows the specific direction that the dissertation intends to take as well as the relationship among the various variables associated with the study. Also, Grant and Osanloo (2014) explained that a conceptual framework is comprised of a set of beliefs, assumptions, and concepts that are aimed at supporting and guiding the dissertation plan. Specifically, the authors emphasized that the conceptual framework is comprised of a clear outline of the key factors, constructions, or variables and how they are presumably related to each other. Additionally, a conceptual framework has been described as a structure of what has been found to appropriately explain a phenomenon of interest to the study.

Furthermore, in contrast to a theoretical framework which is comprised of theories, a conceptual framework provides a logical structure of how various concepts that underpin the study are connected thus providing a picture of how ideas in a dissertation are related to one another. Grant and Osanloo (2014) further emphasized that a conceptual framework does not involve a mere statement of the concepts related to the research problem but a way of describing or showing the reader the epistemological and ontological basis of the research study. Moreover, the conceptual framework provides the researchers with the opportunity of specifying and defining the concepts within the research problem that is currently being explored. Upon the establishment of a conceptual framework for a research study, the researcher can then start to determine how to write his or her dissertation.

Another in-depth explanation of the difference between the conceptual and theoretical framework has been provided in Imenda's (2014) study. According to Imenda (2014), a theoretical framework is a theory used by researchers to guide their research studies. Consequently, a theoretical framework refers to the application of theoretical models or concepts associated with specific theories to explain a phenomenon of interest to a study or to address a research problem.

On the other hand, Imenda (2014) noted that unlike theoretical frameworks, conceptual frameworks are utilized when a researcher opines that the research problem that he or she is exploring cannot be adequately addressed using only one theoretical model or concepts found in only one theory. In such instances, the researcher has to synthesize the empirical and the theoretical findings found in the literature to understand the current views related to the topic or the research problem that he or she is currently exploring. This synthesis, a representation of a comprehensive way of examining the research problem, is known as a conceptual framework or a model. Consequently, a conceptual framework refers to a result of the integration of related concepts into one model (Cherry & Jacob, 2018; Kumie, 2016; Tsilipakos, 2015).

References

Cherry, B., & Jacob, S. R. (2018). Contemporary nursing e-book: issues, trends, & management. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Imenda, S. (2014). Is there a conceptual difference between theoretical and conceptual frameworks? Journal of Social Sciences, 38(2), 185-195. https://doi.org/10.1080/09718923.2014.11893249

Kaakinen, J. R., Coehlo, D. P., Steele, R., & Robinson, M. (2018). Family health care nursing: theory, practice, and research. Philadelphia, PHI: F.A. Davis.

Kumie, G. (2016). The role of hydropower for regional integration. The case of the grand Ethiopian renaissance dam. GRIN Verlag.

Patrick, N. (2018). Handbook of research on heritage management and preservation. IGI Global.

Salmons, J. E. (2015). Doing qualitative research online. New York, NY: SAGE.

Swain, J. (2016). Designing research in education: concepts and methodologies. New York, NY: SAGE.

Terry, A. J. (2017). Clinical research for the doctor of nursing practice. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Tsilipakos, L. (2015). Clarity and confusion in social theory: taking concepts seriously. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.

Valencia-GO, G. N. (2015). Research success a Q&A review applying critical thinking to test taking. Philadelphia, PHI: F.A. Davis.