Theoretical Framework / Philosophical Underpinning

Theoretical framework is the section of Chapter 1 discusses the theory/theories that will the basis of the conceptualization and design of the study and the analysis of its results. For quantitative and mixed methods research, theories justify the relationships being tested in the study. For certain qualitative studies, theoretical framework aims to present the lens or perspective on how to frame the analysis of the data.

This is the pattern of presenting the theoretical framework section:

1.     If the theory has a visual representation (like the theory of planned behavior by Azjen), present it as a figure and label accordingly.

2.     Name the theory and identify the proponent. Discuss the general assumptions and principles of the theory, and then move to the specific area of the theory you would use for your study. Relate it with the general research problem you are discussing.

3.     Justify why this theory is best to elucidate on your current focus of study. For quantitative research, explain how your variables and the relationships you are testing is supported by this theory. For qualitative research, explain how the theory will be frame the findings to specific contexts. For mixed methods, you follow which methodological strand has more weight in your study. You may also need why this specific theory is best among others that are related to your study. You may support your arguments with similar studies.

If you are using multiple theories for your study, you have to create subsections for each theory and discuss each using the same pattern as outlined above. After the last theory discussed, you have to explain how the theories will be integrated in the study.

For studies with specific and strict ontological and epistemological assumptions (such as phenomenology and grounded theory), this section is named philosophical underpinning.

If you are presenting philosophical underpinning instead of a theoretical framework, follow this pattern:

1.     Name the philosophical underpinning you are using (i.e. constructivism, pragmatism, etc). Mention the philosophical proponent/s who is/are the basis for your underpinning.

2.     Establish the ontological assumptions of the underpinning (what is the nature of reality?) and support these claims by citing writings related to them.

3.     Establish the epistemological assumptions of the underpinning (how do we know reality?) and support these claims by citing writings related to them.

4.     Justify why this is the best philosophical underpinning to use for your study.

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