Grant & Osanloo (2014) highlight the key differences between conceptual and theoretical frameworks in their article “Understanding, Selecting, and Integrating a Theoretical Framework in Dissertation Research: Creating the Blueprint for Your House.” Here’s a breakdown of their perspective with supporting examples:

Conceptual Framework:

• Focus: A conceptual framework outlines the key concepts, constructs, and relationships relevant to a research study. It provides a broad understanding of the phenomenon under investigation.
• Structure: It’s a visual representation, often a diagram, that shows how these concepts connect and potentially influence each other. It doesn’t delve deeply into explanations or causal relationships.
• Purpose: It helps researchers organize their thinking, identify research questions, and guide data collection.

Example:

Imagine a study on the factors influencing student satisfaction with online learning. A conceptual framework might include concepts like “course design,” “instructor presence,” “student engagement,” and “student satisfaction.” The framework would depict the potential relationships between these concepts (e.g., good course design leads to higher student engagement, which in turn increases satisfaction).

Theoretical Framework:

• Focus: A theoretical framework draws upon existing theories to explain the phenomenon under investigation. It provides a more in-depth explanation of why and how things happen.
• Structure: It relies on established theoretical principles and propositions to explain the relationships between variables. It can be more complex than a conceptual framework.
• Purpose: It helps researchers develop hypotheses, guide data analysis, and interpret findings within the context of existing knowledge.

Example:

The same study on student satisfaction with online learning could utilize the “Self-Determination Theory” as a theoretical framework. This theory proposes that autonomy, competence, and relatedness are key factors in motivation and satisfaction. The framework would explain how online learning environments that promote these factors can lead to higher student satisfaction.

Key Differences in Application (based on Grant & Osanloo):

• Specificity: A conceptual framework is more general and adaptable to various research questions. A theoretical framework is more specific, grounded in a particular theory.
• Explanatory Power: A conceptual framework describes relationships, while a theoretical framework explains them.
• Level of Abstraction: A conceptual framework is more abstract, focusing on broad concepts. A theoretical framework is more concrete, drawing upon established theoretical constructs.

Additional Insights from Course Texts:

Your course texts might further differentiate between conceptual and theoretical frameworks. Look for sections discussing research methodology or framework development. They might emphasize the role of a conceptual framework as a foundation for building a more specific theoretical framework.

Finding a Research Article:

By using the Course Guide and Assignment Help resources, you can search for research articles in your field of interest that utilize either a theoretical or conceptual framework. Look for keywords like “conceptual framework,” “theoretical framework,” or “model” in the article titles or abstracts. This will help you identify relevant articles for your Annotated Bibliography assignment.