What is the theoretical framework of a project?

The theoretical framework, is the fundamental basis in a research project. It constitutes the pillar where the analysis, the experiment and the research development proposal will be based.

It is the intermediate phase in the realization of the project and must be studied with some care, in order to establish criteria and points of view and then make use of a certain methodology.

A good theoretical frameworkIt is not the one that contains many pages, but the one that treats with precision the aspects related to the problem under study in order to link them towards obtaining solutions.

Importance of the theoretical framework

This is a very essential part of any research, it provides the conceptual frame of reference that is needs to delimit the problem, formulate objectives, support hypotheses and interpret the results of study.

What is the theoretical framework for?

• It allows to orient the investigation, supports the formulation of questions and indicates the significant facts that should be investigated.
• Provides a frame of reference to interpret the results, without theory it is impossible to develop an investigation.
• It allows the researcher to be guided so that he is focused on his problem, preventing him from deviating from the original approach.
• It makes it easier to establish statements that must then be submitted to reality testing in the field work.
• Helps prevent mistakes.
• Documents the need to conduct the investigation.

How to make the theoretical framework

In the elaboration of the theoretical framework a writing must be written with coherence, sequentiality and logic. Using quotes from previous theories or works that support the research work.

Defines the concepts to be used, the variables, the research focus, results obtained in similar research, in such a way so that anyone who reads the conceptual framework can be introduced to the research problem and also be able to understand it without difficulty.

It is composed of:

• Frame of reference: It is the summary of results found by other researchers on topics similar to the topic being investigated. It includes the investigations already carried out that are related to the independent and dependent variables raised in the reasons that led to the implementation of the project and comment on whether the topic was taken from a recommendation or if it is replicated from an investigation already done.
• Conceptual framework: It is the conceptual elaboration, in it the variables considered in the problem and in the objectives are defined. In addition, the key terms that will be used frequently are established. These definitions are made according to the criteria of the researcher and supported by the definitions proposed by other researchers.
• Theoretical framework: It is developed when theories are identified that can give a theoretical basis to the solution of the problem under study. The theoretical framework describes each essential element of the theory, in such a way that the formulation of the problem and its solution are a logical deduction from it.

It involves identifying primary and secondary sources to investigate and design the proposed study. The reading of texts, magazines, specialized books and previous works are fundamental in its formulation.