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• Research framework


  A set of ideas that provide support to something
• Theoretical framework


  Formulated from existing theories and serves as the foundation of the study
• Conceptual framework


  Derived from a combination of theories or parts of theories and guides the researcher in synthesizing the different theories used in formulating a new one
• Theoretical framework is more suitable for student researchers than the conceptual framework because of the former's simpler approach
• Elements of the Theoretical Framework


  • Relevant theories
  • Review of related literature
  • Review of related studies
  • Paradigm of the Study (Research Paradigm)
• Developing the Theoretical Framework

  1. Examine thesis title and research problem

  2. Brainstorm about key variables

  3. Review related literature and studies

  4. List the constructs and variables

  5. Review key theories

  6. Discuss the assumptions or propositions
• Theory


  A non-observable construct that is inferred from observable facts and events that are thought to have an effect on the phenomenon under the study and is primarily concerned with determining cause-effect relationships among variables
• Parts mentioned in the discussion of relevant theories

  • Name/s of the authors
  • Title/s of their theory/ theories
  • Theoretical statement or principles
  • Explanation of the theoretical statement
  • Relationship of the theory to the present study
• Conceptual framework


  Illustrates what the researcher expects to find through their research and is founded on the theoretical framework
• Common Paradigms used in Research

  • IPO (input-process-output) model
  • Independent-Dependent Variable Model
  • Independent-Moderating-Dependent Model
  • Independent-Mediating-Dependent Model
  • Independent-Control-Dependent
• Moderator


  Alters the effect that an independent variable has on a dependent variable
• Mediator


  Links the independent and dependent variables, allowing the relationship between them to be better explained
• It's important not to confuse moderators and mediators
• Control variable


  Variables that are held constant so that they don't interfere with the results
• A literature review creates a "landscape" for the reader, giving them a full understanding of the developments in the field
• The review of related studies serves as the basis of the analysis of results because it allows the researcher to compare and contrast their findings with those of past studies
• Similarities of related studies

  • Variables
  • Methodology
  • Findings
  • Conclusions
• The work
• Identifies new ways
• Helps in solving conflicts
• Identifies areas
• Points to another research
• The review of related studies is an essential part of the planning and research stage of the study
• Determining if the research is objective and empirically-based entails the surveying of previous studies that involve similar variables
• The review of the related studies serves as the basis of the analysis of results because it allows the researcher to compare and contrast his or her findings with those of past studies
• The results of a study are verified by similar findings or negated by different findings from other researchers
• The gathered studies are related to the present study when they have the following similarities: 1) They use the same variables, sub-variables, concepts or construct, 2) They have the same subject or topic
• Even if a previous research used the same variables as his or her study, the two studies may vary in the delimitation of the sub-variables investigated or in terms of focus and purpose
• Data that must be included in writing a review of a related study

  • Introduction: Rationale of the topic (background)
  • Body (related studies): 2a. The name of the author, the date, and the setting of the study, 2b. Title of the study, 2c. The salient findings, 2d. The similarity and gaps of the studies to your present study
  • Conclusion: The implications of the related studies to your present study
• Steps in Writing the Review of Literature

  1. Search for a literature relevant to your study

  2. Evaluate and select source

  3. Identify themes, debates, and gaps

  4. Organize by outlining

  5. Start writing