LESSON 7 THEOrETICAL FRAMewORKS Anoc, Nelvim Sumilac, THEOrETICAL FRAMewORKS This part consists of the researcher's investigation of the body of existing knowledge about the chosen topic, which serves as the building blocks of their study. The word theory is derived from Greek word theoria which means "vision." A theory is a conceptual invention that is used to describe, explain, predict, or understand a certain phenomenon. A good theory expands vision and guides thinking, professional practice and research. According to Best and Kahn (1998) a theory is an attempt to develop a general explanation for a phenomenon. A theory defines non-observable constructs that are inferred from observable facts and events and thought to have an effect on the phenomenon under study. The theory describes the relationship among variables for purposes of explaining a current state or predicting future events A theory is primarily concerned with determining cause-effect relationships. OVERVIEW WHAT IS A FRAMEWORK? WHAT IS A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK? May be likened to a skeleton; it is recognized as a basic structure that aims to provide support to a particular concept or idea presented. A framework formulated from existing theory/ies that would serve as the foundation of a particular study. May consist of concepts or theories that serve as the building blocks/foundation of the study being discussed. Is a collection of interrelated concepts that help guide researchers with regard to related paradigms from the theories which can be applied in the current study. STEPS IN WRITING A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK When writing a theoretical framework, a researcher must bear in mind the following steps: 1 2 Analyze the research problem questions and identify key variables Writing a theoretical framework is akin to a review of related literature; it requires a researcher to analyze and determine theories which are relevant to the study being conducted. Determine theories and concepts which are relevant to the context/focus of the study 3 Formulate a detailed discussion of the relevance of the study selected theories and concepts to the study STEPS IN WRITING A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 1 Analyze the research problem questions and identify key variables -The research problem statement and questions reflect the research objectives; these help determine how the research will progress. -Analyzing the research problem statement and questions allows the researcher to determine variables which are involved in the study. -Recognizing the variables which are focused on in the study would help the research determine relevant theories and concepts that would support the context of the study. STEPS IN WRITING A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 2 Determine theories and concepts which are relevant to the context/focus of the study -It is important to select theories and concepts which are relevant/instrumental in the completion of the study. -Choosing the appropriate theories and concepts would help make the research more reliable, authentic, and stable as these theories/concepts would serve as the foundation of the study -Similar to the review of related literature, the theories selected may serve as a basis for the research assumptions/hypothesis. STEPS IN WRITING A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 3 Formulate a detailed discussion of the relevance of the study selected theories and concepts to the study -When discussing the theoretical framework, it is imperative that the researcher is able to fully explain the relevance of the selected theories and concepts and how this affects the context of the study. -The researcher must also include the proponents of the theories/concepts included; proper citation of these proponents is necessary as this will reflect the researcher's familiarity with the theories, the proponents, their relationship with other theories/concepts, and how these theories are instrumental to the study. QUESTION! In order to effectively write a theoretical framework, a researcher must bear in mind the following: CITE -Introduction/discuss who the proponent of a selected theory/concept is. DISCUSS -Explain in full detail the nature of the theory, its focus, claims, and other important arguments. Shows the researcher's familiarity with the theory/ies; strengthens connection relationship the of selected theory/ies to the study being done. CONNECT -Discuss how the selected theory is relevant to the conducted study. Allows the researcher to properly establish how the selected theory/ies serve as the foundation of the study being conducted. SAMPLE OF THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK The study is anchored on the Social Learning Theory of Lev Vygotsky (1980). He propounded that learning takes place through the interactions people have with their peers, teachers and other experts. He argued that language is the main tool that promotes writing, develops reasoning and suggests cultural activities like reading and writing. Also, he believed that language develops from social interactions, for communication purposes. Language is a social concept that is developed through social interactions (www.vygotskyand-language- development). This theory has relevance to the present study for it emphasizes that communication through writing is an extremely critical component of education, livelihood, and basic functionality in a society. Especially, in higher education where English happens to be the medium of instruction, writing is extremely important because it is used extensively in communicating with professors, employers, peers, or just about anyone else. REMEMBER! ✓ A theoretical framework serves as the guide/reference of a research by providing detailed discussions of theories in which the research is anchored to. ✓ It is important for researchers to be analytical when selecting relevant theories/concepts that will be included in the theoretical framework. ✓ It is not enough that a particular theory is mentioned in the discussion; it is imperative that the researcher carefully explains each theory, the proponents behind it, and its influence on the nature of the study.
