- Characteristics of the theoretical referents
- Construction of theoretical references
- The theoretical framework
- References
The theoretical references are a compilation of existing scientific knowledge on a subject, which are the basis for the initiation, development and completion of any research project.
Theoretical referents are vital for the establishment of the objectives of the research, to propose methodologies and serve as input to interpret the results obtained.
The theoretical references in a project are compiled under different names. Some examples of these names are "Theoretical Framework", "Background" or "Reference Framework", among others.
It is common to find large numbers of scientific articles that only focus on the compilation of existing scientific information on a specific topic. These articles often carry the term "review" or "state of the art" in their title.
Theoretical referents are related to scientific research, not only in the areas of exact and natural sciences, but also in the areas of human sciences.
Characteristics of the theoretical referents
Theoretical referents are made up of different theories, concepts, assumptions and case studies that have been presented in previous research on the subject to be studied.
In an investigation, the theoretical referents must always carry the citation that allows locating the original information of said referent.
The chapter called "theoretical framework" of a degree thesis contains the theoretical references. This chapter is the one that always carries the most citations.
Theoretical referents always have mental objects implicit that can be incorporated into a body of knowledge to reach a conclusion about the research topic.
Construction of theoretical references
In the first place, an exhaustive and careful selection of each of the references must be made. This with the intention of avoiding repeating investigations that have been carried out previously and giving greater support to the hypotheses and the analysis of the results of the research project that is carried out.
It is required that the theoretical aspects in the referents be treated in an orderly and coherent manner, always explaining the importance that the selected referent has in the research that is to be carried out.
Inaccuracies in the theoretical knowledge collected should be avoided, as this can lead to poor methodological approaches or even the loss of validity of the conclusions reached in the research work.
The theoretical framework
According to the APA norms, the theoretical framework results from combining the theoretical referents with the theoretical considerations and the own judgments that lead to the hypothesis statement.
The purposes of proposing a theoretical framework in an investigation are:
-Serve as a guide to propose research in an innovative way, making a difference with other studies.
-Give a context to the research within a set of definitions and knowledge.
-Define the concepts that are used during the research that is carried out. In this case it acts as a kind of glossary.
-Reinforce the criteria by which the methodology used in the research was chosen.
-Give support to the analysis of the results obtained in the investigation, which must be done in light of the theoretical references.
References
- Hays W. Theorists and Theoretical Frameworks Identified by Family Sociologists. Journal of Marriage and Family. 1977; 39 (1): 59-65
- Eisenhardt K. Building theories from case study research. Academy of Management Review. 1989; 14 (4): 532-550
- Torres A. Jimánez A. (2004). The construction of the object and the theoretical references in social research. National Pedagogical University, Bogota, Colombia
- Jabareen Y. Building a Conceptual Framework: Philosophy, Definitions, and Procedure. International Journal of qualitative methods. 2009; 8 (4): 49-62
- Theoretical framework: What is it and how to elaborate it? Available at: normasapa.net. Consulted on September 14, 2017.