Thesis: Theoretical Framework

The purpose of the theoretical framework is to demonstrate the author’s knowledge and expertise in the chosen field of research, concentrating on the research problem. Although the study may be based on other researchers’ work and publications, the relevant ‘message’ has to be the author’s own interpretation.

The theoretical framework should contain the relevant information on the chosen field of research, based on a profound study of the theoretical basis of the topic. The more you are able to introduce new and novel viewpoints and critically evaluate their relevance, the greater the merit of the work. New ideas and interpretations ensure that the author’s own voice can be heard.

One way to construct the theoretical section is to work your way up from existing studies to your own research problem. Then, at the end of the chapter, you should put forward more comprehensive reasoning for your own choices, thus gaining more credibility and strength for your interpretation from the theoretical discourse of others.

If the thesis introduces new research methods, or uses less-known existing methods, these are introduced separately, either directly after the theoretical framework or under a new sub-heading.

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taken from here.