THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

& HYPOTHESIS DEVELOPMENT

WHATS A THEORETICAL
FRAMEWORK?
A theoretical framework is
a conceptual model of how one theorizes the
relationships among the several factors (the
variables) that have been identified as
important to the problem.

The Need for A

Theoretical Framework
The theoretical framework is the basis on which
the entire research rests.
A good theoretical framework is central to
examining the problem under investigation.

The Components of the

Theoretical Framework
The theoretical framework elaborates the
relationships among the variables, explains the
theory underlying these relations, and describes
the nature and direction of the relationships.
There are 5 basic features that should be
incorporated in any theoretical framework:

The Components of the

Theoretical Framework
1. The variables considered relevant to the study
should be clearly identified and labeled in the
discussions.
2. The discussions should state how two or more
variables are related to each other. This
should be done for the important relationships
that are theorized to exist among the variables.

The Components of the

Theoretical Framework
3. If the nature and direction of the relationships
can be theorized on the basis of the findings
from previous research, then there should be an
indication in the discussions as to whether the
relationships would be positive or negative.
4. There should be a clear explanation of why
we would expect these relationships to exist.
The arguments could be drawn from the
previous research findings.

The Components of the

Theoretical Framework
5. A schematic diagram of the theoretical
framework should be given so that the reader
can visualize the theorized relationships.

Independent and
Dependent Variables
Independent Variable
(IV)
Predictor
Presumed cause
Stimulus
Predicted from
Antecedent
Manipulated

Dependent Variable
(DV)
Criterion
Presumed effect
Response
Predicted to.
Consequence
Measured outcome

Moderating variables

INDEPENDENT
VARIABLE

DEPENDENT
VARIABLE

MODERATING
VARIABLE

INTERVENING variables

INDEPENDENT
VARIABLE

INTERVENING
VARIABLE

DEPENDENT
VARIABLE

HYPOTHESES
An hypothesis is:
An educated guess about a problems
solution.
It can be defined as a logically conjectured
relationship between two or more
variables expressed in the form of testable
statements.

The Role of
Hypotheses
Guide the direction of the study

Identify relevant facts

Suggest most appropriate research
design
Provide framework for organizing
resulting conclusions

Characteristics of
Strong Hypotheses

Adequate
A
Strong
Hypothesis
Is

Testable
Better
than rivals