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CHAPTER 4: Theoretical Framework and Setting the Objectives - Coggle…
CHAPTER 4: Theoretical Framework and Setting the Objectives
4.1 The Need for Framework
the foundation of the study and the basis on which the entire research rests.
the researcher’s perspective on how the interrelated concepts and variables in a study fit together.
discusses the interrelationships among the variables - making logical sense of the relationships of the variables and factors that have been deemed relevant/important to the problem.
4.2 Variables
characteristics or attributes of cases whose behaviour or characteristics we study.
could occur in any form - persons, groups, departments, organizations , can take any values
are things that we measure, control or manipulate in an investigation – person gender (m/f), ethnicity, age
quantitative (temp, ht,wt) & qualitative (eth,age)
4.3 Theory and Theoretical Framework
Theory
Explanations, descriptions or predictions about phenomenon particular to a conceptual model
Conceptualization of the relationship between variables.
All research must be based upon a theory
Theory guides research in the sense that it helps to organize ideas.
Act as a bridges between or amongst variables
4.4 Concepts and Conceptual Framework
4.4.1 Concept
An intangible image or symbolic representation of an abstract idea
4.4.2 Conceptual Framework
The operationalization of the theory showing the relationships of the different constructs in a research study.
4.5 Developing the Theoretical Framework
A TF is a logically developed, described and elaborated network of associations among the variables deemed relevant to the problem and identified through such process as interviews, observations and literature review, coupled with experience and intuition.
Essentially the foundation on which the entire research project is based.
The TF helps develop testable hypotheses which simply mean probable causes.
4.6 Setting Research Objectives
A clear and concise statement of the purpose and aim of the study which essentially summarizes what needs to be achieved by the study.
Usually follow the introduction, the background of the study and the problem statement, and should be closely related to the preceding sections especially the statement of the problem.
It should be stated in both general objective and specific objective.
4.6.1 Research Questions
Derived from the problem statement
Guide the research by narrowing down the research issue
Identifies the concern addressed by the research study.
Provide the very basic foundation of research work.
Questions that specifically states what a researcher will attempt to answer.
May be in the form of a testable hypothesis that certain relationships exist among variables, or may be of an exploratory nature asking “What is the relationship among variables”.
4.6.2 Developing Hypothesis
An educated guess or prediction of the relationship between one or more factors (variables/constructs) identified in the study in the manner that it can be tested statistically.
The “educated” guess is not made by gut feelings or instinct, but derived from the understanding of the problem gathered from reading and comprehending all literature on the issue through the process of literature review.
All theories related to the issue help build the conceptual model of the study and the hypothesis is derived from the theories which build the model as well.