Page 45 - PPW (Paper Proposal Writing)
P. 45
• Position your theoretical framework within a broader context of related
frameworks, concepts, models, or theories. There will likely be several concepts,
theories, or models that can be used to help develop a framework for understanding
the research problem. Therefore, note why the theory you've chosen is the
appropriate one.
• The present tense is used when writing about theory. Although the past tense can be
used to describe the history of a theory or the role of key theorists, the construction
of your theoretical framework is happening now.
• You should make your theoretical assumptions as explicit as possible. Later, your
discussion of methodology should be linked back to this theoretical framework.
• Don’t just take what the theory says as a given! Reality is never accurately
represented in such a simplistic way; if you imply that it can be, you fundamentally
distort a reader's ability to understand the findings that emerge.
Taken from: https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/theoreticalframework
Look at the following list of elements in a research-based paper proposal. Put a tick (√) on the
aspects that you can include in theoretical framework.
1. Existing theories ( )
2. Previous studies ( )
3. Definition ( )
4. Related concepts ( )
5. Methodology ( )
Choose five out of the seven statements below which show how to write a good theoretical
framework.
1 Include definition of terms in your theoretical framework
2 Copy and paste everything that you find in other sources
3 Use present tense when writing about the theory
4 Take what the theory says as given
5 Explain the historical context of a theory in the theoretical framework
6 Use past tense when explaining the historical context of a theory
7 Include disagreements among researchers on the definitions when
necessary
Example of Literature Review
Elements of Empirical Review
Read the following example of the empirical review in your literature review. Answer the
questions that follow. Paper Proposal Writing 37
