ABSTRACT
This chapter provides key definitions of theories and concepts, debates competing perspectives on each and explores the role that both of these frameworks play in qualitative research. The terms ‘theoretical framework’ and ‘conceptual framework’ appear frequently in published social science studies, and there appears to be some general confusion about the difference between the two, with good reason. Indeed, in reading through many social science studies, it would appear that the notion of having some kind of theoretical or conceptual framework may have become lost, overlooked or misunderstood. Qualitative researchers often see theory as something that researchers do during data collection and analysis, so theory for the qualitative researcher does not predict relationship between variables. Theoretical and conceptual frameworks have some similar features. They both serve as tools for the researcher to help guide their studies, particularly the interpretation of data.
