On a continuum, one often does not know exactly when he or she crosses a distinct boundary that separates one category from another, much like driving from a city to one of its interconnected suburbs. One may not know that he or she has passed from one city boundary to another. In reference to theory, the primary principle you must understand is that not all theories are the same and have the same function.

While we presented these concepts in a relatively simple, straightforward manner, there is still much ambiguity and variability among the many definitions, functions, and understandings of theory. For example, some use the term in a generic since when speaking of a hunch or guess, such as, “I have a theory about who will win the Super Bowl.” Others use the term as strict scientific, systematic set of principles or explanation that has been verified and has stood up to the rigor of sound research.

Still others interchange the terms theory, theoretical model, conceptual framework and theoretical framework in such a way that it is difficult to understand exactly what they are implying. Moreover, many people may not be aware of the three classifications discussed above and lump all theory in one big pile of ideas.

In the dissertation process you will often hear the term, theoretical framework. A theoretical framework is a useful, applied construct that can be applied to understanding phenomena. This construct can be developed almost at any point on the theory continuum and is often a practical off shoot of a grand, middle-range, or substantive theory. It allows the researcher to clearly see certain aspects of the phenomena being studied while concealing other aspects. Thus, there is no perfect theoretical framework that reveals everything or provides a complete explanation of what is being studied. Any theoretical framework you choose will have advantages and limitations, and it is important to know both. So, while you will not find the perfect framework, you should strive to find on that best fits the particular topic you are researching. Oftentimes, several frameworks may apply to your study and it is a matter of discerning the most applicable one out of the mix. Also, in a qualitative study, as the design emerges, you may need to change to another framework.

Bicycle Analogy

The bicycle analogy has proven to be helpful to graduate students as they seek to comprehend the notion of a theoretical framework. Everything that goes into a bicycle is not just happenstance, but based on years of research, theory, and practice. For example, some theories and laws that go into making and riding a bicycle include the law of gravity, gyroscopic theory, and Newton’s first law of motion, which states that a body at rest will remain at rest, and a body in motion will remain in motion unless it is acted upon by an eternal force. Many other theories and principles of physics are necessary for a bike to work properly.

People who work on and ride bicycles understand a certain vernacular associated with the sport. It has wheels, spokes, and a frame. It has a saddle, a front derailleur, chain and peddles. This verbiage links the bike into the global, historical conversation about what bikes are and how to improve them. Once you understand the parts (i.e., variables), the vocabulary, the basic functions, you can relate knowledge back to this foundational principles of gravity, gyroscopic theory, Newton’s three laws, recreational cycling, the Tour de France, and in sum, the larger body of research, theory, and practice.

The selection of a theoretical framework requires a deep and thoughtful understanding of your problem, your purpose and your research questions, and that is one reason we spend a lot of time on those research components. It is imperative that these components are tightly aligned and intricately interwoven so that your theoretical framework can serve as the foundation of your work and guide your choice of research design and analysis. Your theoretical framework will play a huge role in answering your research questions. Many times, the theoretical framework is mentioned in the speculative proposition because that is one way you are speculating to address the anomaly or discrepancy created by the principal proposition and interacting proposition.

As shown in the bicycle analogy above, a good theoretical framework links your study to a larger existing body of theory, research, and practice. The theoretical framework serves as a link that can connect your study to existing knowledge and it also serves as a lens through which you evaluate your research data and explain your study. So, how do you know when you found a suitable theoretical framework? As mentioned above, you will not find the perfect one, but you can find one or more that adequately suits your study. When searching for a framework, keep in mind the following steps.

1. Identify Your Beliefs. You begin finding a good framework by first identifying your beliefs. For example, do you believe that knowledge is socially constructed by people working together? Or do you believe knowledge is individually constructed? Or is it a combination of both? Do you believe that individuals come to a learning environment with a blank slate and the teacher is responsible for “filling in” that slate? Or, do you believe that individuals come to a learning situation with a certain amount of knowledge, and the teacher helps them interrelate that knowledge with new ideas?

2. Consider Theories that Coincide with Your Beliefs. Consider several theories that intersect nicely with your epistemological values and broaden your way of thinking about the concepts in your study.

3. Conduct a Brief Literature Review. You must ALWAYS look at the literature!

4. Review Similar Studies. Consult the ProQuest Dissertation and Theses Database to review how others have applied specific theories to the topic or similar topic that you are considering.

5. Consult with Your Advisor, Dissertation Directors, Instructors. That is why we are here!

6. Organize or Join a Study Group. Find others in your cohort as well as people in other stages of the program with whom you can work with and discuss ideas.

7. Keep it Simple. There is enough complexity in the research process and you want things to be understandable and manageable. You need to be able to explain the framework and to understand the role it has in the research process. So, keep it simple. Simple is not the opposite of profound. Sometimes the most profound things in life are extremely simple.

8. Look for Visual Representation of Parts. Find a figure, table, or some graphic depiction of the theory or theoretical framework.

9. Connect to Problem, Purpose, and Research Questions. Apply answers to “how” the theory connects to your problem, purpose, and research questions.

10. Choose. Select one or two theoretical frameworks that provide a solid, descriptive ‘blueprint’ for your reader.

Selecting a theoretical framework is important because it helps organize and focus the study. It also has the ability to both reveal and conceal meaning and understanding. There will always be information and findings that it does not explain. Also, it situates your study in the scholarly conversation in which you are rooting your study and provides a common vernacular or vocabulary for the discussion.