The theoretical framework is presented in the early section of a dissertation and provides the rationale for conducting your research to investigate a particular research problem. Consider the theoretical framework as a conceptual model that establishes a sense of structure that guides your research.
Similarly, is theoretical and conceptual framework the same?
Though the terms might have been used interchangeably, in fact, they refer to different things. Theoretical framework in a study is based on an existing theory or theories (e.g., a theory of motivation). The conceptual framework, on the other hand, is something you can develop yourself based on this theory.
In this way, what is the theoretical framework of a research study? The theoretical framework is the structure that can hold or support a theory of a research study. The theoretical framework introduces and describes the theory that explains why the research problem under study exists.