A dissertation consists of many pivotal sections and the theoretical framework is one of them. It acts like a lens that helps readers to judge the quality of your research. It requires students to think about theories that can support a scientific assertion. Unfortunately, some doctorate students, in their opinion, declare it to be the most difficult part of a dissertation. Lack of knowledge, inability to choose the most appropriate theory, and lack of understanding about how to apply the theories throughout a dissertation are important aspects that make it a difficult process. No matter how difficult the process is, you must do it. Thus, the article will contain all information that will help you know its importance in the dissertation writing process.
Theoretical Framework- A brief introduction
It is a foundational review of existing theories that act as a blueprint for developing arguments. To put it simply, in these frameworks, you must explain the existing bodies of theories that favour your dissertations’ claim. The reason behind choosing a suitable framework of theories for your dissertation is supported by the idea that the current study has some roots in the already published work. It helps justify and contextualize research in the light of already developed theories. To further understand the concept, the followings steps of writing will be of great importance:
Steps for writing:
Mainly, to create a theoretical framework, three main steps include identifying your key concepts, evaluating and describing relevant theories, and explaining how a current research problem can fit into the existing research bodies are more the enough.
Identifying your research’s key concepts:
The first in creating a theoretical framework is to identify the key terms and concepts from research questions and problem statement. Furthermore, terms and concepts selected at this step must have multiple definitions so these frameworks can clearly define the meaning of each term in light of different studies.
Searching relevant theories:
The next step must be to conduct a detailed literature review. It is the literature review that will help you in compiling all relevant studies in one place. It also provides all relevant information regarding the models and theories explaining your research goals. If you are unable to find the relevant theories, hiring a dissertation writing service can be helpful for you.
Explaining how a set of certain theories support your research goals:
The last step must be to explain how the identified theories and models can be applied to your research to help you in taking a step forward. Here, you can critique or challenge the existing theories or combine different theories in a unique way.
Role of theoretical framework in dissertation
In dissertation writing, the theoretical framework plays a vital role. The following are some reasons behind its importance in dissertation writing.
Helps familiarize with all theories and models:
Before starting a research, the researcher must gather all relevant information about the proposed model and theories. Making a theoretical framework at the start of a study gives the opportunity for researchers to know and explain what fundamental briefs and norms in a particular discipline are.
Helps in finding the most suitable theory and model of research:
If you select a broad topic for your dissertation, then there is a great chance that your topic can be explained in light of multiple theories. In such cases, the theoretical framework plays an important role in comparing, evaluating, and selecting the one that best explains your research goals.
Help framing research within a clearly defined field:
The most important role of a theoretical framework is it frames your research within a clearly defined field. It allows you to inform the reader with assumptions that can justify your approach. In later stages, it also aids researchers in giving the rationale for the choice behind each selection.
Helps in supporting your analysis, methodology, discussion and interpretation of results:
Another important role played by the theoretical framework in a dissertation is it allows us to give solid reasons behind the selection of anyone from the list of various proposed methods, especially in the discussion and methodology section. Apart from this, such a framework also gives the opportunity to support your analysis, interpretation, and results. Moreover, the generalization of results by referring to relevant theories is also an important role of these frameworks.
Helps in suggesting a clear structure and vision of a study:
Structure and visions are two main qualities of a good dissertation which need to be short, clear, and precise. These frameworks are the blueprint of a dissertation that helps in mapping research that is extremely helpful in maintaining a clear structure and vision so readers can easily understand it.
Final thoughts:
After all is said and done, we can say that the theoretical framework plays many important roles in dissertation writing. It helps give the rationale for the selection of data analysis methods, interpretations, and research methods. It is also important to validate your research ideas in light of already developed studies. Moreover, it is up to whether you want to make it a part of the literature review chapter or let it stand alone.
