{"id":2433,"date":"2026-10-12T00:36:21","date_gmt":"2026-10-11T19:06:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/?p=2433"},"modified":"2026-10-10T14:47:26","modified_gmt":"2026-10-10T09:17:26","slug":"conceptual-framework-vs-theoretical-framework-key-differences-with-examples","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/conceptual-framework-vs-theoretical-framework-key-differences-with-examples\/","title":{"rendered":"Conceptual Framework vs. Theoretical Framework: Key Differences with Examples"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul>\n<li>A theoretical framework comes from existing, published theory. A conceptual framework is built by you, from concepts, context, and prior findings, for only your current study.<\/li>\n<li>The theoretical framework usually comes before the research question and helps generate it. The conceptual framework usually emerges from the research question and maps what will actually be examined.<\/li>\n<li>The conceptual framework decides what data enters your study whereas the theoretical framework decides what that data means.<\/li>\n<li>They are not alternatives. Most studies that investigate relationships between variables need both, and examiners look for each in a different part of the document.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/conceptual-framework-vs-theoretical-framework-key-differences-with-examples\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/conceptual-framework-vs-theoretical-framework-key-differences-with-examples\/#Difference_1_Where_Each_One_Comes_From\" >Difference 1: Where Each One Comes From<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/conceptual-framework-vs-theoretical-framework-key-differences-with-examples\/#Difference_2_Level_of_Abstraction_and_Scope\" >Difference 2: Level of Abstraction and Scope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/conceptual-framework-vs-theoretical-framework-key-differences-with-examples\/#Difference_3_Position_in_the_Research_Sequence\" >Difference 3: Position in the Research Sequence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/conceptual-framework-vs-theoretical-framework-key-differences-with-examples\/#Difference_4_Form_and_Placement_in_the_Document\" >Difference 4: Form and Placement in the Document<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/conceptual-framework-vs-theoretical-framework-key-differences-with-examples\/#Difference_5_What_Each_One_Does_to_Your_Data\" >Difference 5: What Each One Does to Your Data<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/conceptual-framework-vs-theoretical-framework-key-differences-with-examples\/#Difference_6_Fixed_vs_Revisable\" >Difference 6: Fixed vs. Revisable<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/conceptual-framework-vs-theoretical-framework-key-differences-with-examples\/#Difference_7_Frameworks_in_Quantitative_and_Qualitative_Studies\" >Difference 7: Frameworks in Quantitative and Qualitative Studies<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/conceptual-framework-vs-theoretical-framework-key-differences-with-examples\/#Theoretical_vs_Conceptual_Frameworks_Quick_Comparison\" >Theoretical vs Conceptual Frameworks: Quick Comparison<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/conceptual-framework-vs-theoretical-framework-key-differences-with-examples\/#Example_of_a_Theoretical_and_Conceptual_Framework_in_a_Study\" >Example of a Theoretical and Conceptual Framework in a Study<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/conceptual-framework-vs-theoretical-framework-key-differences-with-examples\/#3_Common_Mix-Ups\" >3 Common Mix-Ups<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/conceptual-framework-vs-theoretical-framework-key-differences-with-examples\/#Deciding_What_Your_Study_Needs\" >Deciding What Your Study Needs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span><strong>Introduction<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/what-is-a-theoretical-framework-examples-definition-importance-how-to-write-one\/\">theoretical framework<\/a> is the foundation of theory you are basing your study on whereas a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/conceptual-framework-research-examples-elements-tips-essays-dissertations\/\">conceptual framework<\/a> is the map of what <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/what-is-a-variable-in-research-definition-types-and-examples\/\">variables<\/a> you will study and how you expect the parts to connect.<\/p>\n<p>Both structure a study, but they are different tools for different jobs. One explains why your topic behaves the way it does in general; the other specifies what you will look at in this particular case. Being able to explain the difference clearly in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/dissertation-defense-slides-templates-tips-what-to-expect-and-how-to-prepare\/\">during your dissertation defense<\/a> is important: it shows you know not only what you studied, but why those particular things were worth studying.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Difference_1_Where_Each_One_Comes_From\"><\/span><strong>Difference 1: Where Each One Comes From<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Theoretical framework:<\/strong> derived from theory. It draws on established, published, and validated work, like Maslow&#8217;s hierarchy of needs, social cognitive theory, resource-based view, and so on.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Conceptual framework:<\/strong> derived from concepts. You assemble it yourself from theoretical ideas, empirical findings, and the specifics of your setting.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Composition:<\/strong> a single theory can serve as a complete theoretical framework. A conceptual framework is composite by definition, since it needs at least 2 concepts and a proposed relationship between them.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Authorship:<\/strong> you cite a theoretical framework, usually in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/how-to-conduct-and-write-a-literature-review-for-your-dissertation\/\">literature review chapter of your dissertation<\/a>. Since you make your own conceptual framework, you don\u2019t cite the framework itself.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Difference_2_Level_of_Abstraction_and_Scope\"><\/span><strong>Difference 2: Level of Abstraction and Scope<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>The 2 frameworks operate at different altitudes.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Theoretical framework<\/strong> is more abstract. It addresses how people learn, what drives motivation, or why firms sustain advantage, without reference to your sample or setting.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Conceptual framework is more concrete and specific to your study<\/strong>. It names the specific constructs, the direction of expected effects, and the boundaries of what you will observe.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A useful test is transferability. A theoretical framework can be reused across dozens of unrelated studies without modification, which is precisely why it is worth citing. A conceptual framework rarely can be lifted into a different study, because it was built around one <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/how-to-write-a-research-question-definition-examples-checklist\/\">research question<\/a>, one population, and one context.<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Difference_3_Position_in_the_Research_Sequence\"><\/span><strong>Difference 3: Position in the Research Sequence<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>This is the difference most researchers miss, and the one that causes the most structural damage when it goes wrong.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Theoretical framework:<\/strong> typically precedes the research question and helps generate it. Existing theory predicts or explains something, you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/how-to-find-research-gaps-gap-statement-examples-and-tips\/\">notice a gap<\/a> or an untested application, and a question follows.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Conceptual framework:<\/strong> typically emerges from the research question. Once you know what you are asking, you map the concepts you need in order to answer it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>One major exception is <a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/grounded-theory-in-research-types-steps-examples\/\">grounded theory research<\/a>, where by definition the researcher does <em>not <\/em>start with a theory but lets a theory emerge from the data.<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Difference_4_Form_and_Placement_in_the_Document\"><\/span><strong>Difference 4: Form and Placement in the Document<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>The 2 frameworks usually look different on the page, and readers expect to find them in different places.<\/p>\n<table width=\"624\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\"><strong>Aspect<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"239\"><strong>Theoretical framework<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"239\"><strong>Conceptual framework<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\">Usual format<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Written prose, sometimes with a visual showing how several theories relate<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">A diagram: boxes, arrows, moderators, and often the hypotheses themselves<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\">Usual location<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Within or immediately after the literature review<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">End of the literature review or start of the methodology chapter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\">Reader expectation<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Evidence that you know the intellectual tradition you are working in<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Evidence that you have converted that tradition into a workable study design<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Some examiners look for the conceptual diagram specifically. They perceive its absence as an underdeveloped design, even when the underlying thinking is sound. Always check previous dissertations from your institution and consult your supervisor about whether a diagram is required or not.<\/p>\n<p>You should also avoid making a polished conceptual framework diagram with no theoretical justification for any of its arrows. A conceptual framework without theory behind it is just a drawing.<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Difference_5_What_Each_One_Does_to_Your_Data\"><\/span><strong>Difference 5: What Each One Does to Your Data<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>Both frameworks touch your data, but at opposite ends of the process.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Conceptual framework governs data collection:<\/strong> it specifies which constructs need instruments, which determines your survey items, interview guide, observation protocol, and initial coding categories.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Theoretical framework governs data interpretation:<\/strong> it tells you which patterns count as meaningful, what a finding implies, and how your results connect to the wider scholarly conversation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Consider 2 researchers working from an identical conceptual framework and collecting identical data: they can reach opposing conclusions if their theoretical lenses differ. If a teacher development program has low participation rates, the researcher who\u2019s using motivational theory focuses on individual drive, whereas a researcher who\u2019s using structural theory focuses on access and constraints.<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Difference_6_Fixed_vs_Revisable\"><\/span><strong>Difference 6: Fixed vs. Revisable<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>The 2 frameworks also differ in how much they are allowed to move once the study is running.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Theoretical framework:<\/strong> largely fixed once chosen. You do not rewrite an established theory partway through data collection. You may add another theory, but you have to stick to what the published literature says.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Conceptual framework:<\/strong> a working proposition that is expected to shift. In qualitative work especially, fieldwork surfaces concepts and relationships you did not anticipate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Difference_7_Frameworks_in_Quantitative_and_Qualitative_Studies\"><\/span><strong>Difference 7: Frameworks in Quantitative and Qualitative Studies<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>The balance between the 2 frameworks shifts with methodology.<\/p>\n<table width=\"624\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\"><strong>Element<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"239\"><strong>Quantitative studies<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"239\"><strong>Qualitative studies<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\">Conceptual framework<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Close to a hypothesis diagram: defined variables, measurable constructs, specified paths<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Looser and provisional, doesn\u2019t fix outcomes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\">Theoretical framework<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Justifies why the proposed paths are plausible and what the coefficients mean<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Shapes the orientation, the questions asked, and the interpretive stance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\">Typical relationship<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Theory constrains the model; the model is tested<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Theory frames the inquiry; the framework is revised as concepts emerge<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Theoretical_vs_Conceptual_Frameworks_Quick_Comparison\"><\/span><strong>Theoretical vs Conceptual Frameworks: Quick Comparison<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<table width=\"624\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\"><strong>Dimension<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"239\"><strong>Theoretical framework<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"239\"><strong>Conceptual framework<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\">Source<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Existing published theory<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Concepts, context, and prior findings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\">Composition<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Can be a single theory<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Always multiple concepts plus relationships<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\">Scope<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Broad: the phenomenon in general<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Narrow: this study, this setting<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\">Timing<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Usually precedes the research question<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Usually follows the research question<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\">Typical format<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Prose<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Diagram with narrative support<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\">Location<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Literature review<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">End of literature review or beginning of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/methodology-chapter-dissertation-steps-outline\/\">methodology chapter in a dissertation<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\">Role in data collection<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Indirect: shapes what is worth asking<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Direct: determines instruments and measures<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\">Role in interpretation<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Primary: supplies the interpretive lens<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Secondary: confirms or revises expected links<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\">Stability during study<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Largely fixed<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Expected to evolve<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\">Transferable to other studies<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Yes, routinely<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Rarely without substantial rework<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"147\">Who authored it<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">Other scholars<\/td>\n<td width=\"239\">You<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example_of_a_Theoretical_and_Conceptual_Framework_in_a_Study\"><\/span><strong>Example of a Theoretical and Conceptual Framework in a Study<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>Suppose you are investigating what drives job satisfaction among employees at 3 mid-sized firms.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The theoretical framework:<\/strong> Maslow&#8217;s hierarchy of needs. It supplies the lens, proposing that satisfaction reflects the extent to which physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization needs are met. The theoretical framework says nothing about employees or firms.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The conceptual framework:<\/strong> salary, job security, teamwork quality, recognition, and career development opportunities, each mapped to satisfaction with an expected direction of effect. The conceptual framework says nothing about human needs in general.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Remove the theoretical framework and you are left with 5 arbitrary variables and no way to explain why you chose those 5. Remove the conceptual framework and you have a well-known theory but no way to test or explore it in your setting.<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Common_Mix-Ups\"><\/span><strong>3 Common Mix-Ups<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Presenting a literature summary and calling it a theoretical framework.<\/strong> A chronological list of prior studies is a review, not a framework. A framework commits you to a particular explanatory position and carries it through the analysis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Drawing a diagram with no theoretical justification.<\/strong> Every arrow should be traceable to a theoretical claim or a documented empirical finding. If you cannot say where an arrow came from, it is a guess wearing a box.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Assuming you must choose 1.<\/strong> They are not mutually exclusive, and in most empirical work you need both. Choosing between them is usually a sign that the roles have been confused.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A practical safeguard: institutional expectations vary more than any general rule admits. Reading 2 or 3 recently accepted theses from your own department will tell you more about what is expected than a methodology textbook will.<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Deciding_What_Your_Study_Needs\"><\/span><strong>Deciding What Your Study Needs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>The weighting between the 2 depends on what you are investigating.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Well-established problem with mature theory:<\/strong> lead with the theoretical framework and let it do the heavy lifting; the conceptual framework becomes a fairly direct translation of it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Novel context or unclear mechanisms:<\/strong> the conceptual framework carries more weight and may look substantially different from prior theory by the time you finish.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Explicit relationships between variables:<\/strong> you need both, visibly, and the diagram should show which relationships are theory-derived and which are exploratory.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Interpretive or experiential aims:<\/strong> the theoretical framework sets the broad orientation, while the conceptual framework documents the concepts that actually emerged from your data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Both frameworks are best developed early at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/dissertation-proposal-templates-examples-tips\/\">proposal stage<\/a>, before data collection begins, because their real value is in guiding your thinking rather than in decorating a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dissertation-best-practices\/\">finished dissertation<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A theoretical framework comes from existing, published theory. A conceptual framework is built by you, from concepts, context, and prior findings, for only your current study. The theoretical framework usually comes before the research question and helps generate it. The conceptual framework usually emerges from the research question and maps what will actually be examined. [&hellip;]","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2673,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_ayudawp_aiss_exclude":false,"_ayudawp_aiss_summary":"The conceptual framework decides what data enters your study whereas the theoretical framework decides what that data means. A theoretical framework is the foundation of theory you are basing your study on whereas a conceptual framework is the map of what variables you will study and how you expect the parts to connect. Well-established problem with mature theory: lead with the theoretical framework and let it do the heavy lifting; the conceptual framework becomes a fairly direct translation of it.","_ayudawp_aiss_summary_provider":"extractive","_ayudawp_aiss_summary_hash":"498dff0d1e57135799c8a13bd69bbe830f1e361d"},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Conceptual Framework vs. Theoretical Framework: Key Differences with Examples - Educational Articles For Researchers, Students And Authors - Editage Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/conceptual-framework-vs-theoretical-framework-key-differences-with-examples\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Conceptual Framework vs. Theoretical Framework: Key Differences with Examples - Educational Articles For Researchers, Students And Authors - Editage Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A theoretical framework comes from existing, published theory. A conceptual framework is built by you, from concepts, context, and prior findings, for only your current study. The theoretical framework usually comes before the research question and helps generate it. The conceptual framework usually emerges from the research question and maps what will actually be examined. 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