16/09/2014
Questions received:
1. what is a theoretical Framework
2. what is conceptual framework and how different is it from theoretical framework.
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ANSWERS
ANS 1:Theoretical framework implies a theory upon which your research should be anchored. The theory should help you explain the dependent and independent variables in your research. For example if you are looking at a research project on TEACHER MOTIVATION then the best theory could be Maslow Hierarchy of needs, Vroom's Expectancy theory. In relation to the Expectancy theory, the theory holds that a human beings work with a view that their actions will be followed by certain rewards and the attractiveness of such rewards. therefore you can link the theory to TEACHER MOTIVATION as-in order for teachers to be motivated their expectation should be satisfied by the rewards. When teachers go for work they expect that their actions would be rewarded through a salary which should be attractive enough.
with this you would have linked your theory to the research topic or problem.
ANS 2: On the other hand the Conceptual Framework is a set of environmental factors that are a function of the problem.
For example. Teacher Motivation is the dependent variable while factors that influence motivation are the independent variable.
Therefore, the independent variables could be Work Situation, Reward Management, Employee Relations- meaning that the Work Situation could affect the motivation of teachers, the way the Rewards are distributed could also affect teacher motivation, as well as the labour and employee relations can affect the teacher motivation.
REMEBER always to present your conceptual Framework using a figure showing links between the independent and dependent variable.
The importance of CF is that it enable the researcher to develop hypothesis which should be tested for correlation.
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