Any form of research in the academic sector, whether in the context of high school or university, will be based first essentially on a purely theoretical basis, which is essential to the smooth running of the work as a whole. This is called the theoretical framework.
Definition of the theoretical framework
The definition of the theoretical framework as it exists today often appears to be relatively vague for many students. Indeed, the various writing works, whether thesis, dissertations or more simply dissertations, must include a certain number of things, including the famous theoretical framework, which should not be confused with the literature review or with the pan or framework that is used for analysis.
In a simple way, the theoretical framework is something that serves to organize the ideas present in homework and which is in this sense complementary to the literature review. These are notions, themes, authors, which will be considered as having a central position in the whole of the assignment in question because this framework allows for better study and analysis of the subject. Especially when the academic level is high, it is a question of bringing out the most important elements of a subject and establishing fairer issues. The theoretical framework is part of the introduction.
The importance of the theoretical framework in a thesis, dissertation
In the context of a work that is often long and tedious, the development of different, complementary or contradictory theories makes it possible to gain organization and credibility in the eyes of readers. The theoretical framework is a way to structure ideas, main or secondary, and to better understand the subject in general, thus avoiding making errors of interpretation.
Of course, the goal of a work of this type is to be read, to be approved as serious. Demonstrating and citing various theories inherent in the subject in question is an effective way to lay the foundation of the subject, to ensure that all the research that follows is based on something that exists.
The framework tends to appear as a kind of guide, a referent, it allows us to significantly improve objectivity, making the whole work more coherent and relevant.
The main objectives of the theoretical framework
In addition to what we have already mentioned above, the theoretical framework has other simpler objectives, which are easier to see from a purely academic point of view, from the point of view of students but also of readers.
First, it makes it possible to understand why and to what extent particular research will be deepened, what is the interest in the overall context of the work carried out.
Secondly, it makes it possible to justify, to provide a series of proofs for new potential hypotheses. In some fields of study, students are required to make a series of assumptions, and having a good theoretical framework at the base allows them to prove what they are saying more effectively.
Finally, it is the most effective way to define the key concepts.
Concrete example of a theoretical framework
The topic developed here to give a concrete example of the implementation of a theoretical framework could be the following: the impact of influencers on a brand's sales and on consumers' purchasing behavior.
The theoretical framework can appear in an independent chapter, depending on the type of work that is done and its length.
1. The theoretical framework in the subject
In this work, the emphasis on a theoretical framework makes it possible to define how influencers on social networks can modify purchasing behavior, how they can have a considerable influence on lifestyles and a fortiori on the values of a brand.
This framework is based on verifiable theories, analyses, statistics that provide verifiable information on the influence in general and on the impact of the media on the behavior of individuals.
2. The theories
It is in this part that all the theories that are related to the subject will appear and which, in this case, will touch on the influence of the media, the reach of social networks, the dynamism of brands, the encouragement of purchases, that kind of thing.
These theories are often put forward by professionals, statisticians and economists. There are many of them, and they essentially explain why a specific phenomenon may or may not lead to equally specific consequences.
Why do brands generate more profit thanks to the intervention of an influencer? What motivates the choice of one influencer over another? Why do consumers identify more with this or that person? Why does it work on some targets and not on others?
It will also be important, once all the theories have been put forward, to also explain whether there are variables. Indeed, in each theoretical framework, additional elements may come into play and modify either slightly or completely the framework of the analysis.
For example, this data can include age, socio-professional category, social network used, need to own a particular product, etc.
3. Research
Once this theoretical framework has been established, the research will be able to begin, so the candidate will define by himself a series of hypotheses, which will give rise to problems and a series of more in-depth research.
In the topic we defined at the beginning, we could have for example:
Hypothesis 1: there is a clear relationship between the age of Internet users present on the networks and the values and lifestyle of the influencer chosen by a brand.
Hypothesis 2: consumers live according to their age in an extreme need for sharing and social recognition, so the choice of influencers will be based on this need.
Once all this is in place, the candidate will draw up a summary and conclude his remarks.
Conclusion
This document therefore shows us the importance of the theoretical framework in the development of a dissertation, a thesis or a long dissertation. It is even one of the main parts, proving the accuracy and relevance of the hypotheses as well as the rigor brought to the overall work.