Theoretical Foundation vs. Conceptual Framework

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