| Feature | Theoretical Framework | Conceptual Framework | |---------|----------------------|------------------------| | | Established theories from literature | Researcher’s synthesis + logic | | Basis | Deductive (tests theory) | Inductive / integrative | | Scope | General, abstract | Specific, concrete | | Components | Constructs, propositions | Variables, operational definitions | | Purpose | Explain why relationships exist | Map how variables relate | | Visual form | Rarely visual (text-based) | Often diagram/model |
A staircase with 4 steps.
| Feature | Theoretical Framework | Conceptual Framework | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Borrowed from literature. | Constructed by the researcher. | | Scope | Broad and general. | Specific to the study. | | Focus | Theories, concepts, principles. | Variables and their relationships. | | Visual | Often text-heavy or abstract. | Usually a diagram/flowchart. | | Function | Provides the "Why." | Provides the "How." | theoretical framework vs conceptual framework ppt top
