BUSI710: Foundations of Applied Research Methods Discussion Discussion Replies
Serenity3203
Twoclassmatestreadpost.docxPhillip Acord
Discussion Thread: Conceptual Versus Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
A conceptual framework utilizes visual representation for how theories connect with an outcome or hypothesis (Garcia-Torres et al., 2019). In this focus, the theories identified create the justification for an author’s proposed understanding of a process. This normally ties in when conducting a study with research questions and hypotheses. Understanding the previous theories fully allows synthesis of ideas in a way that informs new outcomes.
Theoretical Framework
A theoretical framework uses existing research in explanation of an author’s understanding for research. This framework aims for capturing and explaining applicable theories that pertain to the topic of research. This type of framework adds specificity and clarification toward what guides each specific research area (Kupers et al., 2019). This interpretation aligns with taking something previously understood, and improving the understanding through research that incorporates current information or variables. This process aligns with a continuous improvement of theory that propels fields of study.
Comparison
The main difference for the two frameworks is the reasoning for the framework. A conceptual framework uses existing theories and research in formulation of new interpretation and correlation toward potential new areas. An example of a conceptual framework looked at existing theories and traditional understanding for buyer-seller relationships and compared them with how the interpretations needed adjustment based off the new business environment and generational characteristics of consumers (Ahearne et al., 2022). The existing theories serve as a starting point for supporting new assumptions and hypotheses toward something new. A theoretical framework aims for more focused theoretical foundation for establishing a study. An example of a theoretical framework looked at previous understanding of “mirroring” framework in online and offline social media occurrences and identified areas of potential weakness by identifying how online and offline environments and characteristics differ (Nesi et al., 2018). That example identified the information may have been based on incorrect pretense and analyzed the information with the current understanding of buyer-seller relationships.
Biblical Integration
There are multiple biblical references related to the importance of research. This section identifies a few references and interprets their applicability toward an aspect of research.
Isaiah 55:8-9
This verse states, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” This reference aligns more with the theoretical framework of thought. The most applicable explanation would be the difference of thought and perception from others. An author using an existing theory as a foundation for newer interpretation aligns with this interpretation.
Romans 12:2
This verse states, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” This reference aligns more with the conceptual framework. The applicability aligns with taking multiple different theories and interpretation in creation of something new and relevant. In other words, using existing information that informs new interpretations and moves society along toward a better world.
References
Ahearne, M., Atefi, Y., Lam, S. K., & Pourmasoudi, M. (2022). The future of buyer-seller interactions: A conceptual framework and research agenda. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 50, 22-45. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11747-021-00803-0Links to an external site.
Garcia-Torres, S., Albareda, L., Rey-Garcia, M., & Seuring, S. (2019). Traceability for sustainability - Literature review and conceptual framework. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 24(1), 85-106. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/SCM-04-2018-0152Links to an external site.
Kupers, E., Lehmann-Wermser, A., McPherson, G., & Geert, P. v. (2019). Children's creativity: A theoretical framework and systematic review. Review of Educational Research, 89(1), 93-124. doi: http://doi.org/10.3102/0034654318815707Links to an external site.
Nesi, J., Choukas-Bradley, S., & Prinstein, M. J. (2018). Transformation of adolescent peer relations in the social media context: Part 1 - A theoretical framework and application to dyadic peer relationships. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 21, 267-294. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-018-0261-xLinks to an external site.
Differences Between Conceptual vs Theoretical Frameworks
Theoretical and conceptual frameworks are both used to evaluate and conduct research. Many organizations use these distinct frameworks to evaluate research grants and the validity of a research proposal. As stated by Varpio et al. (2020), a theoretical framework is a premise for research developed from one or multiple theories to establish the foundation and grounding of a research based on said theory/ theories. Contrastly, Varpio et al. (2020) states that ceonceptual framework describes the existing state of knowledge and and identifies the gaps that may exist along with the steps that research can take to address said gaps. Varpio et al. (2020) summarizes that conceptual framework usually includes a description of relevant literature, summary of the relevant theory, and an explanation on how this theory can be informative in this context. Meanwhile, theoretical frameworks are usually set before the data collection begins and the relevant theories are set throughout the research but can be modified as new data comes in according to Varpio et al. (2020). This is a clear and distinct difference between the two frameworks.
Importance of Each and Ability to Guide Research
Both are frameworks to a research plan and provide value by providing a structure to conducting research and conducting work. The framework also provides cohesion to the research and increases the likelihood of researcher alignment to the original research question as stated by How to Embed a Conceptual or Theoretical Framework Into a Dessertation Study (2020). Theoretical framework is helpful in utilizing existing theories to address a research question or a research need. The theories help shape and define the research more clearly as the data comes in. As summarized by How to Embed a Conceptual or Theoretical Framework Into a Dessertation Study (2020) & Varpio et al. (2020), a theoretical framework is helpful for starting with a broad research question with a lot of unknowns and eventually adapting the scope of the research to a defined level supported by theories. Conceptual framework on the otherhand usually includes an analysis of the existing field on the topic of research. Then a theory and gap in that existing knowledge is identified. In this sense, conceptual framework is important to identify a need and expand a field of knowledge or theory using the existing knowledge from said field or theory (How to Embed a Conceptual or Theoretical Framework Into a Dessertation Study, 2020; Varpio et al. 2020).
Instances for Theoretical Framework
An example of theoretical framework would be starting with a broad and open ended question focused around a theory or theories. In an example provided by Varpio et al. (2020), a researcher may use sociomateriality theory and ask “What is a patient`s experience of interprofessional collaboration in clinical learning environments?”. Using this theoretical framework, the researcher is able to take in data as the research progresses and modify it with the support of the theory. Varpio et al. (2020) gives an example of what the research question may be adjusted to be as research progresses, “What is a patient`s experience of interprofessional collaboration in clinical learning environments as it is negotiated through patient health records?”.
Instances for Conceptual Framework
Conceptual framework would be valuable in research questions to expand a certain field of knowledge. An example of this would be Janjua (2021). This paper is focused on research expanding on dye sensitive solar cells. Throughout the research, Janjua (2021) uses known concepts and theories on existing compound IC-2 are used to support and expand information on the field. This is an example of a conceptual framework.
Biblical Integration
Proverbs 19:2
Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.
I chose this verse because the topic this week is frameworks scientific research. With this week`s reading it is firmly established that an established framework is important in many ways prior to seeking additional knowledge through research. It is advisable to take the time to establish a good framework and baseline instead of being hasty jumping in.
References
How to embed a conceptual or theoretical framework into a dissertation study design. (2020). Nurse Researcher (2014+), 28(3), 24-29. doi:10.7748/nr.2020.e1723
Janjua, M. R. S. A., Khan, M. U., Khalid, M., Ullah, N., Janjua, M. R. S. A., Khan, M. U., . . . Jamil, S. (2021). Theoretical and conceptual framework to design efficient dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs): Molecular engineering by DFT method. New York : Plenum Press. doi:10.1007/s10876-020-01783-x
Varpio, L., Paradis, E., Uijtdehaage, S., Young, M., Varpio, L., Paradis, E., . . . Young, M. (2020). The distinctions between theory, theoretical framework, and conceptual framework. Philadelphia (Pa.) : Hanley & Belfus. doi:10.1097/ACM.0000000000003075
