What is the difference between a theoretical foundation and
a conceptual framework? A theory is usually found in the scholarly literature
and has been formalized and tested by other researchers, it should explain
relationships between variables. Theories are often multilayered and complex. A
conceptual framework is a less developed form of a theory and consists of
statements that link abstract concepts, in psychology it is often described by
the term "model." Here is a great example I ran across in Wu,
Viswanathan, and Ivy (2012).
This is a way to lay out your variables and how you think
they interact, as opposed to a theory, which is more refined and has had
aspects that have often been previously tested.
If you would like more info on conceptual frameworks, take a
look at Ravitch and Riggen's (2012) book Reason
& Rigor: How Conceptual Frameworks Guide Research.
Next time we will look at definitions in your paper. Do you
have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post?
Would you like to be a guest writer? Send
me your ideas! Send me an email with your ideas. leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu
Wu, J. M.,
Viswanathan, M., & Ivy, J. S. (2012). A conceptual framework for future
research on mode of delivery. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 16(7),
1447-1454. doi:10.1007/s10995-011-0910-x
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