Advance Research Method

CHAPTER V

NEED FOR THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Theoretical framework: 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.

➢ This theory flows logically from documentation of previous research in the problem area.

➢ Integrating one’s logical beliefs with published research, taking into consideration the boundaries and constraints governing the situation, is pivotal in developing a scientific basis for investigating the research problem.

➢ Theoretical framework: discusses the interrelationships among the variables that are deemed to be integral to the dynamics of the situation being investigated.

➢ From the theoretical framework, then, testable hypotheses can be developed to examine whether the theory formulated is valid or not.

➢ The entire research rests on the basis of the theoretical framework.

VARIABLES:

Variable: anything that can take on differing or varying values.

4 main types of variables:

1. Dependent variable (also known as the criterion variable)

2. Independent variable (also known as predictor variable)

3. Moderating variable

4. Intervening variable

Dependent variable:

• Variable of primary interest to the researcher

• The researcher’s goal is to understand and describe the dependent variable, or to explain its variability, or predict it

• The main variable that lends itself for investigation as a viable factor

• It is possible to have more than one dependent variable in a study

Independent variable:

• One that influences the dependent variable in either a positive or negative way

• When the independent variable is present, the dependent variable is also present

• With each unit of increase in the independent variable, there is an increase or decrease in the dependent variable also

• Variance in the dependent variable is accounted for by the independent variable

Moderating variable:

• One that has a strong...