Two terms interchangeably – suggesting that they are conceptually equivalent, the researcher argues that these are two different constructs – both by definition and as actualised during the research process. Although, generally, a lot of literature uses these This is an opinion piece on the subject of whether or not ‘theoretical’ and ‘conceptual’ frameworks are conceptual synonyms, or they refer to different constructs. This article explains with clear understanding, the two frameworks and how they could be utilized efficiently in the research expedition. This renders the research sloppy and not appreciable as contributing significantly to the advancement of the frontiers of knowledge. A research without the theoretical or conceptual framework makes it difficult for readers in ascertaining the academic position and the underlying factors to the researcher's assertions and/or hypotheses. This blurs the understanding of readers of the research paper who are lost, not knowing the purpose of the study, the importance of the study and the scholars the researcher is in dialogue with, whether in agreement or disagreement (Evan, 2007). As a result, their research findings become weak because of the inappropriate application of a suitable theoretical framework and/or conceptual framework. Unfortunately, many postgraduate students and faculty staff at universities are confused of the two terms and apply them wrongly in their research papers. Thus, it is no exaggeration for Imenda (2014) to say that both the theoretical and conceptual frameworks give life to a research. They also enhance the empiricism and rigor of a research. They assist in stimulating research while ensuring the extension of knowledge by providing both direction and impetus to the research inquiry. The overall aim of the two frameworks is to make research findings more meaningful, acceptable to the theoretical constructs in the research field and ensures generalizability.
The theoretical and conceptual framework explains the path of a research and grounds it firmly in theoretical constructs. We also caution against the overreliance on theory in the event that it begins to limit the ability to see emergent findings in the data. In this article, we offer an evaluative quadrant for determining the appropriate use of theory in qualitative research and a diagram of the qualitative project that points to the central role of a theoretical framework. Compilers of methodological approaches have referred to the use of theory as analogous to a coat closet in which different items can be housed or a lens through which the literature and data in the study are viewed. Our project builds on the arguments that epistemology and methodological rigor are essential by adding the notion that the influence of theory permeates almost every aspect of the study-even if the author does not recognize this influence. While these approaches are helpful in their own context, we summarize and distill them in order to build upon the case that a balanced and centered use of the theoretical framework can bolster the qualitative approach. Related to qualitative research methods, a variety of approaches have been set forth in the literature using the terms conceptual framework, theoretical framework, paradigm, and epistemology. The use of theory in science is an ongoing debate in the production of knowledge. The study provides a comprehensive structure for choosing and applying the theoretical and conceptual framework in IS research. This study found that the application and selecting process of the theoretical and conceptual framework remains confusing and challenging. This paper deployed a literature review process to determine the critical role of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in IS discipline and research in looking at existing literature covering both frameworks in information systems (IS) research. But the selection and application of the theoretical and conceptual framework in IS discipline and research are still confusing to IS scholars. IS supervisors always urge their students to apply a theoretical and conceptual framework in their study.
Both theoretical and conceptual frameworks are used by scholars in IS discipline when preparing a research work. Theoretical and conceptual frameworks are the foundation of any research process in IS research and others. IS researchers continue to build their ideas on an existing framework called the theoretical framework through which a conceptual framework is formulated. The information systems (IS) research process and writing is built on existing knowledge, principles, theories, frameworks, and models.
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