E-Forum 3

What is a theoretical framework? What is its role? How is it used in a research? Please answer these
questions.

(Answer)
Theoretical frameworks provide a particular perspective, or lens, through which to
examine a topic. Theoretical frameworks usually come from other disciplines - such as
economics, the social sciences, and anthropology - and are used by historians to bring new
dimensions of their topic to light. There is no right or wrong theoretical framework to use when
examining your topic since every topic can be looked at from a number of different perspectives.
For example, an essay on slavery in the American south could be examined from a social
perspective - the relations between slaves, or between slaves and masters - but also from an
economic perspective, a political perspective, or a cultural perspective just to name a few.
Theoretical frameworks, however, are even more specific than these broad subject approaches.
Theoretical frameworks are specific theories about aspects of human existence such as the
functioning of politics, the economy, and human relations. These theories can then be applied to
the study of actual events.While it is not necessary to use a theoretical framework to examine
your topic, it can help to focus your essay on a specific aspect of your topic and can direct your
analysis of that topic, offering unexpected insights into the past.
Reply to En. Azmi Bin Ameruddin
I do agree with your point. Especially in social science research a theoretical framework
serve as the basis for future research and mostly helps the researchers create hypotheses of their
research. This will help researchers highlight different definitions and varying methodologies
about their topic. The existing result from theoretical framework will also help researchers to
craft a logical argument for a need of the research.

Reply to Nurulhuda Binti Ismail

You have a good point about this topic. It is true that theoretical frameworks provide the
organization for further studies about the topic. Its provide researches guides for interpretations
of their studies. It is also provide researches to describe, predict, explain, and control their
studies for future analysis.

Reply to Norlelawati Binti Ismail

It is true that theoretical frameworks an answers to begin a research that start with a
question. Theoretical frameworks will allow researchers to the test the theory of the study and
also help in describing the results of the research. This will guide researches in preparing their
research paper and consider what is required for the research.