a theoretical framework

USAGE SUMMARY

"theoretical framework" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a broad set of ideas, concepts, or beliefs which provide justification for and guidance in approaching a problem or issue. For example, "Using insights from evolutionary theory, this research proposes a theoretical framework for understanding the emergence of cooperative behavior among interdependent species."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First we will describe a theoretical framework based on Actor-Network Theory (ANT).

BMC Health Services Research

LeCun, Y., Touresky, D., Hinton, G. & Sejnowski, T. A theoretical framework for back-propagation.

Nature

Interconnected Musical Networks: Toward a Theoretical Framework.

Princeton University

A Theoretical Framework for Conversational Search.

Cornell University

A theoretical framework for the description of estuaries.

Nature

Zohar advanced a theoretical framework that may one day help to explain why this is so.

The Guardian

Vulnerability across the life course: a theoretical framework and research directions.

Nature

The citation said the laureates had developed a "theoretical framework for search markets that has gained widespread influence".

The Guardian - Business

"But to help them understand the richness of a theoretical framework, using a musical tool has gotten their minds churning".

The New York Times

When she and Scofidio began their relationship — secretly, at first — she outfitted his discontent with a theoretical framework.

The New Yorker

A theoretical framework for minimum streamflow is developed.

Journal of Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, explicitly state the theoretical framework you are employing early in your paper to provide context for your research question and methodology.

Common error

Avoid superficially mentioning "a theoretical framework" without actually integrating it into your analysis. Ensure your framework genuinely informs your interpretation and conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a theoretical framework" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a structure of concepts, assumptions, and theories used for analysis, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

Academia

15%

News & Media

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a theoretical framework" is a frequently employed noun phrase that serves as a foundational structure of theories and assumptions, typically used in formal and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and is widely adopted across diverse fields such as science, academia, and news media. Best practice involves clearly defining the components of the framework and integrating them effectively into the analysis, while common errors include superficial applications. Alternatives such as "a conceptual model" or "a theoretical model", offer similar but subtly different ways to express structured approaches to understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a theoretical model

Highlights the use of theory to represent a phenomenon.

a conceptual model

Focuses on a simplified representation of a system or concept.

a conceptual structure

Emphasizes the arrangement and interrelation of ideas.

a frame of reference

Indicates the perspective or viewpoint used for analysis.

a logical structure

Highlights organization and logical coherence.

an analytical construct

Highlights an abstract idea created for research or analysis.

a guiding principle

Suggests a foundational belief that directs action.

a philosophical basis

Refers to the underlying philosophical assumptions.

a methodological approach

Emphasizes the specific methods and procedures used.

a working hypothesis

Indicates a preliminary assumption used as a basis for investigation.

FAQs

What does "a theoretical framework" mean?

A "theoretical framework" is a structure that outlines the key concepts, assumptions, and theories used to approach and interpret a research problem or topic. It provides a lens through which to analyze and understand complex phenomena.

How is "a theoretical framework" used in research?

In research, "a theoretical framework" guides the research design, data collection, and analysis. It helps researchers to develop hypotheses, interpret findings, and draw meaningful conclusions based on established theories.

What is the difference between "a theoretical framework" and a hypothesis?

A "theoretical framework" is a broad, overarching structure that provides a foundation for research, while a hypothesis is a specific, testable statement derived from that framework. The framework guides the development of hypotheses.

Are there alternatives to "a theoretical framework"?

You can use alternatives like "a conceptual model", "a conceptual structure", or "a theoretical model", depending on the nuance you want to convey.