Introducing Theories, Variables and the Theoretical Framework

Need of a Theoretical Framework
A theoretical framework represents your beliefs on how certain phenomena (or variables or concepts) are related to each other (a model) and an explanation of why you believe that these variables are associated with each other (a theory). 

Both the model and the theory flow logically from the documentation of previous research in the problem area. Integrating your 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.

The process of building a theoretical framework includes:

1. Introducing definitions of the concepts or variables in your model.

2. Developing a conceptual model that provides a descriptive representation of your theory.

3. Coming up with a theory that provides an explanation for relationships between the variables in your model.

From the theoretical framework, then, testable hypotheses can be developed to examine whether your theory is valid or not. The hypothesized relationships can thereafter be tested through appropriate statistical analyses. Hence, the entire deductive research project rests on the basis of the theoretical framework. 

Since a theoretical framework involves the identification of the network of relationships among the variables considered important to the study of any given problem situation, it is essential to understand what a variable means and what the different types of variables are.