Lecture on Theoretical Framework by Prof. Govind ji Pandey

The Difference Between a Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

Theoretical frameworks are sometimes referred to as a conceptual framework; however, these terms are neither interchangeable nor synonymous. They can be vague and lead to confusion for students and dissertation committee

members alike. As such, it is important and necessary to differentiate these terms.

We distinguish the two terms by clarifying that a theoretical framework is derived from an existing theory (or theories)in the literature that has already been tested and validated by others and is considered a generally acceptable theory in the scholarly literature. As Merriam (2001) proposed, it is the researcher's lens with which to view the world.