Chapter 10

Research Framework

1
 Objectives:
At the end of this chapter, the students will
be able to:
1. Discuss relevant theories and
2. Formulate relevant theories for the study
 Research Framework
• A framework is defined as “a set of ideas that
provide support to something” (Merriam Webster;
n.d).
• Any concept or theory requires a strong framework
to establish its general feasibility.
• In the case of research, it serves as the building
blocks for the foundation of the study.
• 2 TYPES OF RESEARCH FRAMEWORKS:
1. Theoretical Framework
2. Conceptual Framework
 Theoretical and
Conceptual Framework

• The theoretical framework is formulated from existing

theories and serves as the foundation of the study. The
present study can adopt the original model used
by cited theorist. However, the researcher can modify
the variables of the original framework to better suit the
study, provided that the whole theory is utilized.
• The conceptual framework is derived from a
combination of theories or parts of theories. This
framework guide the researcher in synthesizing the
different theories used in formulating a new one.
• The theoretical framework is more suitable for student
researchers than the conceptual framework because of the
former’s simpler approach. It is less complicated to directly
base on existing theories than to formulate a new one.
• Although creativity and variability in research are valuable,
a student researcher should consider the extent of his or
her access to resource materials, which may be limited.

Elements of the Theoretical Framework

• The theoretical framework prefaces the entire study
by providing background information;
• It should be supported by established facts from
different resource materials
• The major elements that should be presented in
order to formulate the framework of the study:

1. Relevant theories. These are theories that are

partially or fully relevant to the present study and
are discussed to provide a basis for the variables
being tested.
2. Review of related literature. These are published
materials that compare the study with existing
knowledge on the research topic. This part defines,
classifies, and facilitates objective comprehension of
the variables being studied.
3. Review of related studies. This part includes theses
or dissertations on research topics carrying the
same variables. The findings from the previous
studies define the approach that researcher took in
measuring variables.
4. Paradigm of the study. This is diagrammatic
presentation of the study used to visually summarize
the whole study. It is the result of a clearer
understanding of the theoretical or conceptual
framework. It is usually comprised of symbols and
figures such as lines, shapes, and arrows.

IPO (input-process-output)
- Most commonly used paradigms
- Used when research seeks to discuss a factor or a
major variable that causes a problem, phenomenon,
or transformation in the subject.
 INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT
(the variables that (the method process (the problem
causes problem, by which the phenomenon, or
phenomenon, or variables are transformation; the
transformation) collected and outcome of the
synthesized) variables)

• Profile of entrepreneurs
a. Age
b. Sex Analysis of data
c. Seminars through:
• Roles of entrepreneurs • Improved role of
a. Assessment
• Questionnaires entrepreneurs
b. Planning • Informal
interviews
• Higher returns
c. Implementation
d. Evaluation • Statistical and • Better quality of
• Specimen collection scientific services
• Performance treatment

Figure 10.1- Paradigm for Entrepreneurs’ Roles Toward Improved

Work Performance
 Developing the Theoretical Framework
• Theoretical framework serves as the basis of the research. It points
out, through its cited theories, which specific variables will be the
focus of the study. In doing so, the approach that the researcher
will adopt in evaluation and interpretation of the data is better
established. It also prefaces the new knowledge introduced in the
research by validating or challenging theoretical assumptions.
Thus, writing a sound theoretical framework provides the readers a
better understanding of the research study.

• The University of South California (2016) provides the following

strategies in formulating the theoretical framework:
1. Examine your thesis title and research problem. The research
problem should be well-founded since it serves as the foundation
of the theoretical framework.
2. Brainstorm about what is considered as the key variables in the
research. The factors that are presumed to have significant
bearing on the results of the study should be identified.
3. Review related literature and studies. The basis of the research
should be supported by relevant literature and studies from
authors who had conducted an extensive research on the topic.
4. List the constructs and variables. Constructs are information
inferred from observation while variables are research factors
that are measured in stud. These should be identified to create the
framework.
5. Review key theories. The theories that best explain the
relationships between the key variables in the study should be
identified.
6. Discuss the assumptions or propositions. The relevance of the
cited theories to the research should be established to effectively
support the framework of the study.
 Relevant Theories
• Theory is derived from Greek word theoria, which means
“vision”. Singh (2009) defines theory as a non- observable
construct that is inferred from observable facts and events
that are thought to have an effect on the phenomenon under
study. It prefaces the readers in what theories are used as the
basis of the research story.

In the discussion of relevant theories, the following parts are

mentioned:
1. Name/s of the author/s
2. Title/s of their theory/ies
3. Theoretical statement or principles
4. Explanation of the theoretical statement
5. Relationship of the theory to the present study
Karen Moises
Juliana Rae Contreras