ABSTRACT
It is important for researchers to draw on existing knowledge to lay the foundation for and frame their research. Doing so involves not only a solid grounding in the existing literature, but also an understanding of existing theory. This chapter defines and discusses theory and theoretical and conceptual frameworks. This chapter also examines the distinctions among theory, theoretical frameworks, and conceptual frameworks, and discusses why theoretical and conceptual frameworks are important. It further examines the process of choosing appropriate frameworks, provides examples of theoretical and conceptual frameworks, and describes their use in designing and conducting research. Finally, this chapter explores some considerations in choosing and applying theory and frameworks.
