WHAT IS THE REFERENTIAL FRAMEWORK OF AN INVESTIGATION? - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The referential framework of an investigation consists of a brief and precise compilation of concepts, theories and regulations that are directly related to the topic and the investigation problem. This part of the investigation allows to elucidate the ideas and purposes of the authors.

The referential framework is also known as the theoretical framework, state of the art or state of knowledge. This component of the investigation should be formulated after clarifying the problem statement and objectives.

It contains a set of conceptual elements, understood by this as laws, principles, sentences, paradigms, categories and models related to the research problem.

This set defines, exposes and announces in a logical way the phenomena of the world to which the subject belongs. Each of the elements must be related to each other and build an identifiable structure.

Carrying out the referential framework is extremely important because it clarifies the points that other works have already touched, allows access to basic information to glimpse the subject and, among other points, places the project in a general framework of science and technology.

To make a referential framework, the sources to be consulted as well as the authors must be identified, try to handle reliable sources and organize ideas by writing clearly and precisely.

Characteristics of the referential framework

- According to the research topic, it is defined how the referential framework will be. In general, this is done based on authors and concepts.

- The state of the art is made from research. Sometimes the frame of reference and the state of the art intersect.

- The direction given to the subject in the delimitation will direct the content of the referential framework.

- Formulating the referential framework involves defining the theoretical framework, the conceptual framework, the legal framework, the historical framework and the antecedents.

- Of all the mentioned frameworks, the theoretical framework is mandatory in all research works. The rest is included according to the research question.

Usefulness of the referential framework

Within the referential framework, organized concepts are offered that allow to establish strategies, that is, the approach and vision to face the problem. It also provides tactics for interpreting the results.

The elaboration of the referential frame helps in the prevention of errors that other researchers have committed. Since it includes a background framework, it guides you to know how to prepare the study, considering the points already covered by previous works, how they have been approached or what sources they used, among others.

Thanks to this framework, the researcher amplifies his panorama of the study and establishes a guide that focuses him on the problem, without deviating from the original approach. It also provides an overview of the state of the topic to be studied.

A good frame of reference leads to hypotheses that will then be tested in practice. It works as an inspiration to other lines and areas of research as well as a guide to decipher the results obtained.

Recommendations to develop the reference framework

First, the basic bibliography with which the research topic and problem was defined should be reviewed, and then the most relevant bibliography according to the adviser (s) should be chosen.

After this, a reading, summary and analysis process begins that will be reflected in cards highlighting the relevant elements directly related to the research topic. Said abstracts should be assembled in such a way that they are stable and well written, including the sources.

Subsequently, the conceptual framework is made by selecting the terms to be used throughout the work and that will be explained in depth in it. For this, it is recommended to prepare a glossary.

You must have organization, be systematic and methodological. This is achieved with the completion of files, footnotes and critical comments from the author of the project.

When documenting, the different types of tools that exist should be taken into account, among them are concept maps, tables and summaries. All of these help to synthesize the information.

Coherence and cohesion are vital when drafting the referential framework as it theoretically supports the project. The conceptual clarity of the investigation depends on it.

Components

Depending on the type of research being carried out, all of the following frameworks will be included or not:

Theoretical framework

This consists of a detailed description of each important element of the theory, so that the statement of the problem and its solution will be a logical deduction from it. Its mission is:

• delimit the area to be investigated
• suggest research guidelines or approaches
• summarize existing knowledge of the area to be investigated
• expose postulates and general theoretical propositions that will serve as the basis for the formulation of hypotheses
• operationalize variables and outline theories, techniques and procedures.

Conceptual framework

In this part of the investigation, the definitions of the variables of the problem and the objectives of the investigation are established, as well as the key terms that will be used frequently.

These definitions are made by the researcher according to the context in which the research is framed, definitions by other authors and the theory on which the research is based. This framework is included in research where terms from other areas are used.

The conceptual framework tries to deepen some concepts that must be expanded to allow a technical understanding of the aspects treated in the research.

Background frame

At this point the results of works or projects of researchers who have delved into the subject under investigation are summarized.

Legal framework

If the topic you are working on involves knowledge of laws and regulations, this framework is included. This happens in research that analyzes or evaluates the social effects resulting from government reforms.

Historical setting

Sometimes it is relevant to state in detail how the phenomenon that makes up the core of the research developed historically. Some topics that include this framework are those related to the economy of a country or region.

References

1. Hartas, D. (2015). Educational Research and Inquiry: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. London: Bloomsbury Publishing.
2. Hedges, L; Coe, R; Waring, M and Arthur, J. (2012). Research Methods and Methodologies in Education. Sydney: SAGE.
3. Prior, L. (2003). Using Documents in Social Research. London: Sage Publications.
4. Rodriguez, L; Bermudez, L. (2016). Research in business management. Colombia: Ecoe Ediciones.
5. Romero, L. (2002). Research Methodology in Social Sciences. Mexico: Univ. J. Autónoma de Tabasco.
6. Sáenz, D. (2013). Academic Research with Support in Information Technologies. Mexico: Digital Editorial of the Tecnológico de Monterrey.
7. Scott, J. (2006). Documentary Research. USA: SAGE Publications.