Theoretical Framework

          Every research need to establish the relationship among different kinds of variables that could operate in a situation. Develop a theoretical framework of the research can help us to determine the relationship between the variables more clearly.

          According to Uma Sekaran (2012), theoretical framework is a conceptual model of how one theorizes or makes logical sense of the relationships among the several factors that have been identified as important to the problem. It is logically developed, described and elaborated network of associations among the variables deemed relevant to the problem situation and identified through such processes as interviews, observations, and literature survey. 

          Besides that, the theoretical framework also logically describes the interconnections among the independent variables, the dependent variable(s), and if applicable, the moderating and intervening variable are elaborated. The elaboration of the variables in the theoretical framework thus addresses the issues of why or how we expect certain relationship to exist, and the nature and direction of the relationships among the variables of interest.

There are five basic features that should be incorporated in theoretical framework: 

1. The variables considered relevant to the study should be clearly identified and labeled in the discussions. 
2. The discussions should state how two or more variables are related to one another. This should be done for the important relationships that are theorized to exist among variables.
3. If the nature and direction of the relationships can be theorized on the basis of the findings of previous research, then there should be an in indication in the discussions as to whether the relationships would be positive or negative.  
4. There should be a clear explanation of why we would expect these relationships to exist. The arguments can be drawn from the previous research findings.
5. A schematic diagram of the theoretical framework should be given so that a reader can see and easily comprehend the theorized relationships.