THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS IN SOCIAL SCIENCES AND LAW: MEANING, FUNCTIONS AND DIFFERENCES

Abstract

Both theoretical and conceptual frameworks play a significant role in research studies. However, majority of the researchers do not properly understand their meaning, functions and differences between them. The present study had two objectives; first, to explore the meaning, differences and functions of theoretical and conceptual framework and second, to analyze the need of theoretical framework in legal research. After the systematic review of the literature, the present study found that a theoretical framework is the map constructed with one or more theories to guide a proposed study from inception to reporting. Similarly, the study found that a conceptual framework is constructed with various ideas and concepts taken from numerous theories or empirical studies. Besides, theoretical and conceptual frameworks are similar to the extent of their function and different to the extent of their constituents elements. Moreover, the study found that doctrinal legal research needs a normative framework whereas empirical legal studies require a theoretical or conceptual framework. It is hoped that the present study will enable the researchers to properly understand the meaning, functions and differences between theoretical and conceptual framework.

Keywords: Theoretical Framework, Conceptual Framework, Functions of Theoretical and Conceptual Framework, Difference between Theoretical and Conceptual Framework