Formulating the

Theoretical Framework
Cornista, Jamie
Cruz, Joshua Noel
De los Reyes, Derek
Mendoza, Martin
Tingzon, Carly

Theoretical Framework
A theoretical framework consists of concepts,
together with their definitions, and existing
theory/theories that are used for your
particular study

What are they for?

Theoretical frameworks provide the
organization for the study. It guides the
researcher in the interpretations of the
results.

Theoretical Framework vs.

Conceptual Framework
Theoretical frameworks are based on specific
theories. If the researcher is not able to find a
suitable theory for the research, then he or she
may construct a conceptual framework.

Theoretical Framework

Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000)

Identifying Key
Variables

Where do you
find the key
variables?

Research Problem
The research problem
anchors your entire study
and forms the basis from
which you construct your
theoretical framework.

Literature Review
A careful
examination of a
body of literature
pointing toward the
answer to your
research question.

Variables
A concept to be investigated and can be
empirically measured. Variables are
commonly classified into three types:
Independent, Dependent and Intervening

Classifications of
Variables

Independent - Determinant or explanatory

factor for any change in the variable.
Dependent - Precedent or effect factor
which reveals changes caused by the
independent variable.
Intervening - Comes between the
dependent and independent variable. Can
influence both the dependent and
independent variables.

Hypothesizing the
relationships of key
variables

Where to begin?
This part entails extensive reading and
understanding of the literature. Look for
studies cited that may support the research
problem.
Alternatively, you may also look into
research gaps as a basis for the hypothesis.
Integrate the variables
literature given.

based

on

the

Hypothesis
Development

What is a
Hypothesis?

Hypothesis
is an educated guess which can be proven empirically

Important things to know

about the hypothesis
must clearly express the relationships
between two or more variables to be
investigated.
measurable, devoid of value
judgements, unambiguous

Null Hypothesis
Statement of the
Hypothesis
Expresses no
relationship or no
difference between the
two variables
An assertion that is
hoped to be rejected

Alternative Hypothesis

Opposite of Ho

Expresses that there is

a relationship or a
difference between the
two variables

If the Ho is rejected
then Ha is accepted

Formats for the

Hypothesis Statements
Descriptive
Explanatory or causal
Relational

Descriptive format
is a declarative proposition that predicts the
existence, size, form, and distribution of
variables, or characterizes what is typical in
a group

The sales manager of X bar would want to

know if the majority of his customers are
college students or working professionals.
Ho: S = P. The number of college
students and working professionals are
equal.
Ha: S P. The number of college
students and working professionals are not
equal.

Explanatory/
Causal format
is an if-then proposition. It states that the
existence of, or change in, one or more
variables (usually called the independent
variable) leads to an effect on the other
variable (usually the dependent variable)

In this study, the researcher for XX

Company would want to know if an increase
in bonuses given will reduce the turnover
rate
for
this
year.
Ho: B = TO. The 25% increase in
bonus this year will reduce the employee
turnover
by
50%.
Ha: B TO. The 25% increase in bonus this
year will reduce the employee turnover by
50%.

Relational format
is a statement of conjecture expressing
directional or nondirectional relationships,
such as existence of difference or correlations
(or that the variables occur together in some
specified manner without an implication that
one causes the other)

This study wishes to test the following.

Ho: The levels of job satisfaction within
the company is not affected by the following:
1.
Years
of
Service
2.
Educational
Background
Ha: The levels of job satisfaction within the
company is affected by the following:
1.
Years
of
Service
2.
Educational
Background

Summary
1. Examine your thesis title and research problem.
The research problem anchors your entire study and
forms the basis from which you construct your
theoretical framework.
2. Brainstorm on what you consider to be the key
variables in your research. Answer the question,
what factors contribute to the presumed effect?
3. Review related literature to find answers to your
research question.

Summary
4. List the constructs and variables that might be
relevant to your study. Group these variables into
independent and dependent categories.
5. Review the key social science theories that are
introduced to you in your course readings and choose
the theory or theories that can best explain the
relationships between the key variables in your
study.