The Importance of Theoretical Frameworks in Research

Role of Literature Review in Research

• A literature review is essential in postgraduate theses as it establishes a connection between existing knowledge and new research efforts.

• The primary function of the theoretical framework is to leverage prior knowledge to enhance one's own work, focusing on adding value rather than reviewing all literature.

Functions of Theoretical Framework

• According to Hernández Sampieri and collaborators, the theoretical framework serves multiple functions:

• It sharpens the problem statement by refining its components.

• It inspires new lines and areas for investigation, broadening the study's scope.

Risks of Problem Specification

• Excessive specificity can lead to triviality or irrelevance; thus, a well-constructed theoretical framework helps avoid this pitfall by identifying important categories or variables that may have been overlooked.

Focus and Direction in Research

• A solid theoretical framework guides researchers back to their original problem, preventing deviations from their initial focus while also allowing for historical context regarding the problem's development.

Justification for Research

• The theoretical framework documents the necessity of conducting research by highlighting gaps in existing studies, thereby establishing relevance and significance within disciplinary knowledge.

Methodological Guidance

• By referencing previous theories, researchers can understand how specific problems have been addressed before, including methodologies used and contexts applied. This aids in designing their own research effectively.

Error Prevention through Framework Construction

• Constructing a robust theoretical framework helps identify successful methods from past studies while avoiding previously encountered errors. This leads to better hypothesis formulation based on sound reasoning.

Interpretation of Results