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 wellfounded.

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 for graduate Ph...  
Interpretivism explained    • What is interpretivism? A simple expl...  
Positivism for beginners    • What is positivism in sociology? Soci...  
Critical realism explained    • Critical realism in research  
Ontology and epistemology – what do they mean?    • Ontology and epistemology explained, ...  

// Want to learn more about conceptual and theoretical stuff? //
Check out my blog, which has oodles of easytounderstand, jargonfree posts about all things conceptual and theoretical, binge on my posts here https://www.thedegreedoctor.com/blog/...