The Theoretical Framework grounds your project in existing theory. It tells the reader which lens you are looking through and why. A common student mistake is to confuse it with the Conceptual Framework - they are different artifacts.
Theoretical vs Conceptual Framework
Dimension
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
Source
Established theories or models
Your synthesis for this study
Form
Narrative + citations
Diagram + narrative
Examples
TAM, UTAUT, DeLone & McLean, ISO 25010
IPO, IDEAL, custom block diagram
When to write
Early - drives Chapter 2
After Chapter 2 - drives Chapter 3
Picking A Theory For An IS Project
Project Type
Common Theory
Adoption of a new system
Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)
User behaviour with technology
UTAUT
System quality evaluation
ISO 25010, DeLone & McLean Success Model
Learning system
Constructivism, Bloom's taxonomy
Health system
Health Belief Model
Decision support
Simon's Decision-Making Model
How To Cite And Discuss
Name the theorist and year first.
State the core proposition in your own words.
Explain why the theory fits your study.
Identify the constructs you will measure.
End with how the theory shapes your conceptual framework.
Discussion
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