Conceptual vs theoretical framework

Conceptual vs theoretical frameworks - what’s the difference?
In this video, I’m diving into the crucial difference between conceptual and theoretical frameworks. Many people confuse these terms!
Understanding the distinction and how they connect is essential for a solid research foundation.
A conceptual framework is essentially a map for your research. It organises and guides the study by defining key concepts, variables, and their relationships. Think of it as forming a clear idea in your mind about what your study is examining and how different elements relate to each other.
On the other hand, a theoretical framework involves established theories and perspectives that inform your research approach and guide your data analysis. It’s about seeing what’s been done before, understanding the theories that exist, and applying these to interpret your findings. Theoretical frameworks provide a lens to make sense of your data within a broader context.
By distinguishing between conceptual and theoretical frameworks, we see that conceptual frameworks help define what you’re studying and how these elements connect, while theoretical frameworks offer existing theories to interpret your data and contribute new insights to the field.
Understanding your research paradigm-whether positivist, interpretivist, or critical realist-also influences which theories you incorporate into your theoretical framework. This alignment ensures that your approach to the research and data interpretation is coherent and well-founded.
By combining conceptual and theoretical frameworks, you create a comprehensive guide for your research, helping you visualise connections, identify gaps, and adapt your framework as your study evolves.
Chapters
0:00 - 0:33 Introduction
0:34 - 1:56 The basics - definitions of conceptual and theoretical frameworks
1:57 - 4:56 Conceptual frameworks
4:57 - 7:07 Theoretical frameworks
7:08 - 10:08 Paradigms - helping you decide on theory
10:09 - 11:17 Conceptual and theoretical frameworks - the diagram
11:18 - 11:26 Conclusion
// Other helpful videos //
What are paradigms? An introduction to positivism, interpretivism and critical realism • Paradigms of research ...
Interpretivism explained • What is interpretivism...
Positivism for beginners • What is positivism in ...
Critical realism explained • Critical realism in re...
Ontology and epistemology - what do they mean? • Ontology and epistemol...
// Want to learn more about conceptual and theoretical stuff? //
Check out my blog, which has oodles of easy-to-understand, jargon-free posts about all things conceptual and theoretical, binge on my posts here www.thedegreedoctor.com/blog/...

[@jhtperformancenutrition4226]

More! Fantastic video, bloody love this! Thank you! :) 😀👏👏🙌🙌💃💃🔥

[@DegreeDoctor]

I’m so pleased you liked it! I am certainly doing more videos on all things conceptual and theoretical! 🤓

[@bander544]

Thanks.

[@DegreeDoctor]

You're welcome! ☺️

[@lisintharania]

More please❤

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thanks for commenting! Watch this space for more videos on the conceptual and theoretical elements of research!

[@Maery-997]

Thank you!

[@DegreeDoctor]

You’re very welcome, I hope this was helpful 🤓

[@gulvinyusifova4953]

Hi. Many thanks. I love watching your videos. I have some questions though. Can we make those charts if we have a theoretical framework, not a CF? Also, when writing a theoretical framework, do we have to choose one or two theories at the end and suggest that those are the most relevant theories to our project among others explained, or can we just explain different theories in the topic and end without a specific choice? Is structure and agency a TF? My project is about the dynamics of internal migration in a specific country and I hold the view of critical realism. There are dozens of theories about what migration is, what the pull or push factors are, etc. I thought TF would be more relevant rather than CF. I am so confused.

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad you enjoy the videos. Let me address your questions one by one: (1) Charts with theoretical frameworks: Yes, you can create charts or visual aids for theoretical frameworks just like you would for conceptual frameworks. These charts can help illustrate the relationships between the theories and concepts you are discussing and how they apply to your research. (2) Choosing theories in a theoretical framework: When writing a theoretical framework, you don’t necessarily have to choose just one or two theories as the most relevant. It’s possible to discuss multiple theories and explain how each contributes to your understanding of the topic. However, it can be beneficial to highlight which theories you find most applicable to your specific research problem. This helps to clarify your approach and reasoning for your study. (3) Structure and agency in a theoretical framework: Structure and agency can indeed be part of a theoretical framework. These concepts are often used to analyse social phenomena and can be particularly useful in understanding the dynamics of internal migration. They can help you explore how individual actions (agency) and larger social structures (structure) interact and influence migration patterns.

[@gulvinyusifova4953]

@@DegreeDoctor Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions explicitly. I really appreciate it. All the best🤗

[@Marshmellow0916]

@@DegreeDoctor This response helps me a lot also, thank you!

[@khanalnilambar9354]

Thanks for the video Dear! But what about the Operational Framework? Is it also same as conceptual framework or has bit difference on it?🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you for your comment and for watching the video! An operational framework is indeed different from a conceptual framework. While a conceptual framework outlines the concepts and ideas that form the basis of your research, an operational framework focuses on how these concepts will be measured and implemented in practice. The conceptual framework provides the structure for your study, defining what you are studying and why it is important. The operational framework describes the methods, procedures, and tools you will use to collect and analyse data related to those concepts. I hope this helps clarify the distinction!

[@Weareone9ornone]

@@DegreeDoctor Do you have a video detailing the operational framework?