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. Psychology tends to use theories while other areas of study may use conceptual frameworks. 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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