Abstract:

Conceptual and theoretical frameworks are fundamental to social research. Credible research should either have a conceptual or theoretical framework. Research shows that many researchers have difficulties in applying and understanding these tools of conceptualising research. Using content analysis within case study research design, the purpose of this study was to investigate the application and understanding of conceptual and theoretical frameworks in postgraduate educational research at a university in South Africa. The findings shed light on the characteristics of the application and understanding of conceptual and theoretical frameworks in educational research. Some studies confused theoretical with conceptual frameworks. Some researchers regarded research frameworks such as paradigms as theoretical frameworks. Many studies did not explain how these conceptual tools helped them to design their research. Furthermore, researchers were not explicit about how and why a theory was more applicable to their studies than an alternative one. Recommendations are made based on the findings.

Keywords:

Conceptual framework, postgraduate research, theoretical framework, theory, research framework.