How to write a theoretical framework in scientific research
In the world of scientific research, the theoretical framework is considered one of the basic elements that contribute to building the theoretical foundations of the study and guiding the researcher towards a deep understanding of the phenomena he studies. Understanding how to write the theoretical framework correctly is crucial to the success and credibility of scientific research, as the researcher through it analyzes ideas and concepts. precedent and employ it logically in the context of his research.
The concept of theoretical framework in scientific research
The theoretical framework in scientific research is considered the intellectual structure upon which the researcher is based to understand and analyze the phenomena and problems that he studies in his research, and it represents a set of theories, concepts and principles that help guide the research and understand the relationships between the various variables.
When the researcher develops the theoretical framework, he searches for theories and concepts related to the topic of his research, analyzes and evaluates them, and chooses from them those that suit the research question and contribute to directing the study towards the desired results. Therefore, the theoretical framework is the basis for building hypotheses, formulating research questions, analyzing data, and interpreting the results.
The theoretical framework can consist of several components, such as central theories, basic concepts, analytical models, and previous theoretical frameworks that influenced the studied topic. The theoretical framework is considered an important tool to direct the research, determine its direction, and ensure that it is centered around the specific topic.
In general, the theoretical framework plays a vital role in the scientific research process, as it helps the researcher understand phenomena more deeply and analyze them more accurately, which contributes to enriching knowledge and developing the scientific field in which the research falls.
The importance of the theoretical framework in scientific research
The theoretical framework is considered one of the basic and vital elements in the scientific research process, as it is considered the basis on which the study is built and directed. It helps the researcher understand the phenomena studied more deeply, and provides him with the intellectual framework necessary to analyze the data and interpret the results correctly.
In addition, the theoretical framework helps in determining the direction of the research and identifying the important variables that must be studied, which contributes to achieving the specific objectives of the research. An important aspect of the theoretical framework also is that it helps in identifying gaps in knowledge and directing the research towards areas that need further research and study. .
In general, the theoretical framework represents the basis on which scientific research is built, and contributes significantly to making the study of scientific and academic value.
Components of the theoretical framework for scientific research
Key theories and concepts: These components include theories and concepts that form the basis for understanding and analysis in the field of study, and contribute to defining the field of research and directing it towards specific goals.
Previous theoretical framework: refers to previous studies and research on the same topic that contributed to developing our understanding of it. The previous theoretical framework helps identify gaps in knowledge and determine the research path.
Analytical models: They are used to clarify the relationships between different variables in research, and help in building hypotheses and future conclusions.
Main concepts: They include the basic concepts around which the research is centered, and contribute to a deeper understanding and analysis of phenomena.
The specific theoretical framework: refers to the intellectual model that the researcher uses to analyze data and further understand the phenomena studied.
How to write a theoretical framework in research
Defining the main concepts: The researcher begins by defining the main concepts related to the research topic. These concepts include the basic terms and main theories that will be focused on in the study.
Review of previous literature: The researcher reviews previous studies and published research that deals with the same or related topics. This aims to understand the theories used and the ideas adopted in these studies.
Analyzing the literature and identifying the main points: The researcher analyzes the literature and identifies the main points and basic concepts that can be included in the theoretical framework of the research.
Formulating the theoretical framework: The researcher formulates the theoretical framework using the concepts and theories identified in the previous steps. The goal of the theoretical framework is to clarify how the concepts are related to each other and how to direct the research towards the specific goals.
Ensuring consistency and integration: The researcher makes sure that the theoretical framework has consistency and integration, as the concepts and theories used must be consistent with each other and with the research objectives.
Writing clearly and systematically: The researcher must write the theoretical framework clearly and systematically, clarifying the relationships between concepts and theories and defining the theoretical framework that will be used in the research study.
Contents of the theoretical framework in the research
Clarifying the main concepts: The basic concepts related to the research topic must be explained and defined precisely and clearly.
Presentation of related theories: The main part is to present, analyze and evaluate the various theories that have dealt with the topic.
Analysis of relationships and interactions: The focus in this part is on analyzing the relationships and interactions between the concepts and theories presented, and clarifying how they affect understanding of the topic.
The theoretical framework for the study: It consists of defining the theoretical framework that the researcher will follow in his study, and clarifying how to employ theories and concepts in analyzing data and understanding the results.
Hypotheses and conclusions: This part includes the formulation of hypotheses on which the research is based and preliminary conclusions derived from the theoretical framework.
Contribution to scientific knowledge: The theoretical framework should include an explanation of how the research contributes to the development of scientific knowledge and fills gaps in previous research.
Provisional conclusions: It consists of giving provisional conclusions based on the theoretical framework presented, which directs the research towards the next steps.
How to write a theoretical framework in a master’s thesis
Writing the theoretical framework in a master’s thesis requires following specific steps to ensure building strong and solid intellectual foundations, as follows