Comparing and Contrasting Findings
-
- Similarly, several studies found that…
- In contrast, other researchers observed…
- Building on earlier findings by ___, this study…
- Whereas ___ focused on teachers’ perceptions, ___ examined student outcomes.
- These differing results may reflect differences in context or methodology.
Showing Patterns or Trends
-
- A consistent theme across the literature is…
- Over time, research has shifted from ___ to ___.
- Collectively, these studies suggest that…
- Recent scholarship increasingly emphasizes…
- Together, the findings indicate that…
Connecting to Frameworks or Concepts
-
- This pattern aligns with the principles of [theory/framework].
- These findings support [conceptual model].
- The literature converges around the idea that…
- From a [theoretical] perspective, this suggests…
Highlighting Gaps or Next Steps
-
- Few studies have examined…
- Little is known about how this applies to…
- Future research should explore…
- However, existing studies have not considered…
- This gap in understanding provides a rationale for the current study.
Building in Your Perspective
Remember–if writing quantitatively, you’ll focus on a theoretical framework. If writing qualitatively, you’ll consider a theoretical perspective and a conceptual framework.
Theoretical Perspective — The Researcher’s Lens
The theoretical perspective is the broad worldview or philosophical stance through which the researcher views the problem.
It answers the question:
“From what lens am I viewing this phenomenon?”
Examples include constructivism, critical theory, or pragmatism. In qualitative research, it often informs how knowledge is understood and interpreted (e.g., viewing learning as socially constructed).
In this textbook it is presented as the “foundation beneath the framework” — the why behind the study’s orientation.
In short:
- Describes the researcher’s stance toward knowledge and inquiry.
- Guides how data will be interpreted.
- Is typically identified early in Chapter 1 and revisited in Chapter 2.
Theoretical Framework — The Study’s Guiding Theory
The theoretical framework is the established theory or model that grounds the study.
It answers the question:
“What existing theory helps explain or predict this phenomenon?”
It provides the structure for interpreting relationships among variables or concepts.
In quantitative studies, this might involve using Bandura’s Social Learning Theory or Tinto’s Student Persistence Theory to explain cause-and-effect relationships.
In qualitative studies, it may guide the interpretation of experiences (e.g., Self-Determination Theory in studying teacher motivation).
In short:
- Comes from existing, published theory.
- Anchors the study in the broader scholarly conversation.
- Clarifies how the researcher understands relationships in the study.
Conceptual Framework — The Researcher’s Map
The conceptual framework is the visual and narrative model that integrates key ideas from the literature and the chosen theory to show how the study’s variables or concepts relate.
It answers the question:
“How do the ideas in my study connect and interact?”
This framework is developed from the literature review. As students analyze themes and gaps, they identify recurring variables, constructs, or ideas that become the “concepts” in the framework.
In short:
- Synthesizes findings from the literature review into a coherent model.
- May include both theoretical elements and context-specific insights.
- Serves as a visual and logical guide for the research design and analysis.
How It Fits into the Literature Review
Transition from Review to Framework
Remember, the literature review builds toward the framework section.
After synthesizing the existing research (themes, patterns, and gaps), students should transition to a paragraph such as:
“The patterns identified across these studies suggest a need to understand how [phenomenon] operates through the lens of [theory], which serves as the theoretical foundation for this study. The following section outlines the conceptual framework developed from this literature.”
This bridges synthesis to conceptualization, turning reviewed knowledge into a research plan.
Integration Within Chapter 2
The literature review should naturally lead to:
- Identification of theoretical roots (what scholars and theories inform the study).
- Justification for framework selection (why that framework best fits the problem).
- A diagram or narrative that visually displays how constructs connect (the conceptual framework).
Thus, the literature review doesn’t just summarize studies; it builds the rationale for the chosen theory and illustrates how concepts relate in this specific study context.
Role in Later Chapters
Once established in Chapter 2:
- The theoretical framework informs the methodology in Chapter 3 (how data will be collected/interpreted).
- The conceptual framework is revisited in the discussion and conclusions (whether findings support, extend, or challenge it).
Quick Summary Table
| Element | Defines | Source | Appears In | Primary Function | Commonly Used In |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theoretical Perspective | Researcher’s worldview or stance toward knowledge | Philosophical tradition (e.g., constructivism, critical theory, pragmatism) | Chapter 1 and referenced in Chapter 2 | Guides interpretation and epistemology | Qualitative (sometimes mixed methods) |
| Theoretical Framework | Existing theory explaining relationships among variables or constructs | Published theory or model (e.g., Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, Tinto’s Student Persistence Theory) | Chapter 1 and 2 | Anchors the study conceptually and explains relationships | Quantitative (also used in some qualitative designs) |
| Conceptual Framework | Researcher’s synthesized model showing how ideas connect in the study | Built from the literature and the chosen theory | Chapter 1 and End of Chapter 2 | Maps how concepts or variables interact in the specific study | Typically Qualitative (especially mixed methods) |
