The detribalization of Marshall McLuhan
The legacy of Marshall McLuhan in media theory cannot be overstated, but the strategies adopted by McLuhan’s followers for extending his theories are limited to the application of his coinages and concepts to newer domains. This article proposes a different approach to understanding and extending McLuhan: by taking his ex-tribal standpoint seriously as the generative point of his conceptual framework. McLuhan’s Gaelic-tribal surname must have been more than a relic in his life, as he actively adopted Catholic Christianity and detribalized himself in an attempt to distance himself from the primitivity that came as ancestral baggage to him. McLuhan’s theory, it is argued, is thoroughly autobiographical – he is driven by his own example as an emancipated tribal and seems to have wished for a similar emancipation for all of humanity. Taken together with some of the theoretical currents that were contemporaneous, this identity of McLuhan can help explain the unity of his theoretical framework. It is from this vantage that he diagnosed the rise of fascism as a re-tribalization of man, a resurgent atavism that was undoing the benefits of civilization.
- Research Article
- 10.4314/etsj.v15i2.15
- Dec 12, 2024
- Environmental Technology and Science Journal
Theoretical and conceptual frameworks are essential components of the research process, although they are often misinterpreted by doctorate candidates during the development of their dissertation study. The purpose of this paper is to emphasise the critical role that theoretical and conceptual frameworks play in enhancing the rigour and clarity of research. This is an argumentative paper that uses information as evidence to back up its claims. The authors used this methodological framework to espouse the need that doctoral research should have a valid theoretical framework to justify the importance and significance of the work in order to contribute to knowledge in their field of study. The study clarifies two sometimes misinterpreted terms: conceptual and theoretical frameworks. According to the authors, the decision to use a theoretical or conceptual framework is influenced by the research goals, study characteristics, and available literature. Conceptual frameworks are typically used in qualitative and mixed methods research, although theoretical frameworks are used more frequently in quantitative and mixed methods research. Mastery of conceptual and theoretical knowledge in construction management research allows researchers to develop clear, well-structured enquiries, improve methodological rigour, and successfully integrate theory to practice, resulting in innovative ideas in the field. The paper discusses the importance of including a theoretical and/or conceptual framework in a doctoral thesis focussing on construction management research. It states that these frameworks are critical for defining the student's research direction. The study emphasises that understanding 'concept' and 'theory' allows for the successful use of conceptual and theoretical frameworks to provide direction and coherence throughout the research proce
- Research Article
- 10.58915/ijbt.v15i3.1652
- Oct 27, 2025
- International Journal of Business and Technopreneurship (IJBT)
The utilisation of theory, the conceptual framework, the theoretical framework, and the research framework is frequently required to be clearly articulated in academic studies. However, these terms are often used interchangeably without a clear understanding of their distinctions. This scenario is complicated because the terms theoretical, conceptual, and research frameworks are employed differently in different research approaches. This article aims to define these concepts and explain their usage with two research approaches: the objectivist deductive approach, which goes from theory to data, and the subjectivist inductive approach, which goes from data to theory, together with a research framework. The theoretical framework provides the foundation of established theories and principles underpinning the study, offering a broad lens through which the research phenomenon is understood. The conceptual framework, derived from the theoretical framework, refines the understanding by delineating specific constructs and their interrelationships, serving as a guide to address the research objectives. Meanwhile, the research framework translates these constructs into operationalised variables and methodologies, facilitating the systematic collection and analysis of data. Together, these frameworks ensure the study's alignment with established knowledge while enabling methodological rigour and clarity in addressing the research problem. Furthermore, the integration of research, conceptual, and theoretical frameworks not only guides the logical flow of a study and strengthens its academic foundation but also enhances its potential to generate meaningful insights across diverse domains, including business innovation and strategy, international business and marketing, technology and operations management, corporate governance and ethics, human resource and project management, and entrepreneurship.
- Research Article
69
- 10.1097/00001888-200109000-00021
- Sep 1, 2001
- Academic Medicine
Problem Statement, Conceptual Framework, and Research Question
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.mex.2023.102484
- Jan 5, 2024
- MethodsX
This study aims to present a combination of methods and propose robust theoretical and conceptual frameworks for solving socio-environmental issues. This proposal included the Problem, Intervention, Context, and Outcome (PICO) framework and Protocol and Reporting result with Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, and Analysis framework, and develop (PSALSAR) method through SODIP steps: (i) Systematic review and meta-analysis defining the study from guiding questions; (ii) Open-source related to software and data; (iii) Data visualization and design information; (iv) Identification of gaps, challenges and trends through automation and lexicometric analysis; and (v) Proposal of theoretical and conceptual frameworks. This proposal defines the steps as support to combine and systematize information necessary to facilitate the production of this type of document using open-access software in the visualization and design of information. All these steps are replicable and essential to propose a conceptual and theoretical framework to contribute to the construction of knowledge in socio-environmental research and to propose solutions by filling in the gaps.In summary, this combination of methods shows:•The use of SODIP steps provides robustness and efficiency in carrying out review studies, facilitating the way to propose theoretical or conceptual frameworks.•Choosing to use open-source tools is essential for better evaluation and visualization of qualitative and quantitative data in review studies.•The combination of methods and data in the systematic review (scientific, political documents. and databases) supports the proposal of robust theoretical and conceptual frameworks.
- Research Article
1
- 10.52567/pjsr.v5i01.1034
- Mar 31, 2023
- Pakistan Journal of Social Research
Both theoretical and conceptual frameworks play a significant role in research studies. However, majority of the researchers do not properly understand their meaning, functions and differences between them. The present study had two objectives; first, to explore the meaning, differences and functions of theoretical and conceptual framework and second, to analyze the need of theoretical framework in legal research. After the systematic review of the literature, the present study found that a theoretical framework is the map constructed with one or more theories to guide a proposed study from inception to reporting. Similarly, the study found that a conceptual framework is constructed with various ideas and concepts taken from numerous theories or empirical studies. Besides, theoretical and conceptual frameworks are similar to the extent of their function and different to the extent of their constituents elements. Moreover, the study found that doctrinal legal research needs a normative framework whereas empirical legal studies require a theoretical or conceptual framework. It is hoped that the present study will enable the researchers to properly understand the meaning, functions and differences between theoretical and conceptual framework. Keywords: Theoretical Framework, Conceptual Framework, Functions of Theoretical and Conceptual Framework, Difference between Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
- Research Article
49
- 10.11124/jbisrir-2015-2150
- Oct 1, 2015
- JBI database of systematic reviews and implementation reports
REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE The objective of this review is to examine conceptual and/or theoretical frameworks that are relevant to nurse practitioner education. The specific review question is: What conceptual and/or theoretical frameworks are available that are relevant to the structuring of nurse practitioner education? INCLUSION CRITERIA Types of participants This review will consider studies that include nurse practitioners in any specialty or the education of nurse practitioners in any specialty at the graduate or post-graduate level. Phenomena of interest In this review, we will consider documents that describe or evaluate frameworks, maps or conceptual structures for NP education at the graduate degree or post-graduate degree level. Literature that presents a framework for the graduate education of students in other health care disciplines at the university level will also be considered for inclusion. Frameworks for utilization in other jurisdictions (e.g. Provincial and Territorial regulatory frameworks) and metrics that assist in measuring, describing and organizing key concepts required for nurse practitioner education will be examined. Outcomes of interest for this review will include framework components in either narrative or illustrative form. Context This scoping review will consider studies that have been conducted in the provision of graduate level education of students in health care disciplines. Specific contextual focus will be directed to identify frameworks for educational programming for nurse practitioner students. Frameworks for curriculum development and/or delivery in other disciplines will also be considered.
- Research Article
115
- 10.7748/nr.21.6.34.e1252
- Jul 25, 2014
- Nurse Researcher
To debate the definition and use of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in qualitative research. There is a paucity of literature to help the novice researcher to understand what theoretical and conceptual frameworks are and how they should be used. This paper acknowledges the interchangeable usage of these terms and researchers' confusion about the differences between the two. It discusses how researchers have used theoretical and conceptual frameworks and the notion of conceptual models. Detail is given about how one researcher incorporated a conceptual framework throughout a research project, the purpose for doing so and how this led to a resultant conceptual model. Concepts from Abbott (1988) and Witz ( 1992 ) were used to provide a framework for research involving two case study sites. The framework was used to determine research questions and give direction to interviews and discussions to focus the research. Some research methods do not overtly use a theoretical framework or conceptual framework in their design, but this is implicit and underpins the method design, for example in grounded theory. Other qualitative methods use one or the other to frame the design of a research project or to explain the outcomes. An example is given of how a conceptual framework was used throughout a research project. Theoretical and conceptual frameworks are terms that are regularly used in research but rarely explained. Textbooks should discuss what they are and how they can be used, so novice researchers understand how they can help with research design. Theoretical and conceptual frameworks need to be more clearly understood by researchers and correct terminology used to ensure clarity for novice researchers.
- Research Article
- 10.17860/mersinefd.1505234
- Aug 22, 2024
- Mersin Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi
This study aimed to examine the use of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in master's and doctoral theses published in the field of mathematics education in Turkiye between 2019 and 2023. For this purpose, a total of 237 master's and doctoral theses downloaded from the Council of Higher Education national thesis center were analyzed within the scope of the method and the framework used. Given that master's and doctoral theses in the field of mathematics education were reviewed, the document analysis method was utilized. The theses were analyzed based on characteristics: methodology (quantitative, qualitative, mixed research paradigm) and framework (theoretical, conceptual, theoretical and conceptual, other). In the analysis phase, the distribution of theses according to types and years was also examined. The findings indicated that the majority of thesis studies were conducted using a qualitative method within a theoretical framework. This was followed by quantitative studies using a theoretical framework and mixed-method studies within a theoretical framework. Additionally, there were qualitative studies classified under other and qualitative studies using a conceptual framework. The qualitative thesis studies using the theoretical framework were predominant and that these were mostly master's theses and published in 2023. The findings were discussed in the light of the relevant literature and suggestions were made for future research.
- Research Article
23
- 10.5032/jae.2003.02061
- Jun 1, 2003
- Journal of Agricultural Education
The purpose of this study was to examine the degree to which agricultural education research has adhered to a structured approach over the past decade. Specifically, the study sought to determine the types of research conducted in agricultural education, the extent to which researchers used conceptual and theoretical frameworks, the extent to which conclusions addressed conceptual and/or theoretical frameworks, and to assess how the formation and use of conceptual and theoretical frameworks had changed over the past decade. The researchers evaluated all research articles published in the Journal of Agricultural Education from 1990 through 1999. Findings revealed that the majority of the research conducted in agricultural education over the past decade has been quantitative, applied survey research. Only 29% of the articles reviewed cited an appropriate theoretical framework. However, over 87% cited an appropriate and clear conceptual framework. It was found that researchers cited a limited number of references in establishing conceptual and theoretical frameworks, and often failed to relate their findings back to those frameworks. Selection and use of theoretical frameworks improved over the decade, although the number of studies with appropriate frameworks was still considered low. Articles accepted to the journal exhibited less well-developed conceptual frameworks as the decade progressed.
- Research Article
14
- 10.21428/8c225f6e.56810a1a
- Jun 24, 2020
- Studies in Technology Enhanced Learning
Contributing to knowledge or theory is generally a standard requirement for research and doctoral studies. Whether that contribution should be from a research, policy or practice perspective is often not specifically stated as a requirement, yet one or all are certainly possible. A doctoral study (or indeed any research study) is usually quite firmly cast or framed within a form of theoretical or conceptual framework. Yet, even the definition, selection and formulation of a framework that is appropriate and that can inform a study throughout its various phases and stages is sometimes considered a ‘doctoral or research challenge’ in itself. This paper will argue that the way models, frameworks or theories - all of which in this current paper are collectively termed underpinnings - are conceived and used could well determine whether, how and to what extent a thesis or research study might contribute to a wider knowledge base. The paper offers a theoretical strategic analysis of the issue. It will explore what a conceptual or theoretical framework for a doctoral or wider research study is, what role or roles it can take, and whether, how and to what extent a study might contribute to knowledge or theory. The paper will conclude with ways to question approaches to roles of conceptual or theoretical underpinnings that do not limit the potential of a thesis or study to contribute to theory. Keywords: theories; theoretical frameworks; conceptual frameworks; models; research studies; underpinning constructsPart of the Special Issue Debating the status of ‘theory’ in technology enhanced learning research
- Research Article
4
- 10.4314/gjpas.v21i1.11
- Jan 1, 1970
- Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences
The Nursing and Midwifery Councils of many nations including Nigeria and nursing departments of various Universities and institutions have made it mandatory that conceptual and theoretical framework are used to guide Nursing research presented as part of the requirements for the award of certificates and degrees. However, it is often observed that many researchers are not skilled in the use of conceptual and theoretical framework and many do not also utilize conceptual or theoretical framework to guide studies conducted after graduation from their various educational institutions. Others do so for some parts of the research and do not also explain how the framework can be used to guide implementation of the study findings. Additionally, many publishers of research reports do not also demand for inclusion of framework in papers accepted for publication. This paper is aimed at highlighting the importance of using a conceptual framework to guide a study, the criteria that should guide the appraisal and selection of a framework; challenges that can hinder utilization of framework to guide research work and measures of improving utilization of conceptual framework in nursing research.KEYWORDS: Conceptual, Framework, Nursing, Research, Theoretical.
- Book Chapter
30
- 10.4018/978-1-5225-3137-1.ch001
- Jan 1, 2018
This chapter discusses the use of conceptual and theoretical frameworks in social science research with a focus on heritage studies. Incorporating theory or developing a conceptual framework is a critical part of the research design process. It assists in explaining the issue under study and refining the research questions. Linking theory and empirical constructs is fundamental to both quantitative and qualitative research, although some studies suggest that this is something that a number of researchers in the latter research tradition tend to ignore. Theories provide a theoretical framework for conceptualising research. Without a theoretical or a conceptual framework, the analysis of the findings results in a mere narration. Many researchers encounter difficulties in distinguishing between and using a conceptual framework and a theoretical framework as research tools. There are recurring doubts about their utility in the research endeavour and how one might select a good theory. Consequently, there is limited engagement with theory.
- Research Article
- 10.1162/glep_a_00649
- Feb 4, 2022
- Global Environmental Politics
Energizing Comparative Environmental Politics and Comparative Political Economy
- Research Article
9
- 10.4314/ajlais.v33i2.2
- Oct 16, 2023
- African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science
The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the extent of theoretical transparency in library and information science (LIS) scholarship. Many studies have looked at theorising and the use of theory in LIS. Unlike previous studies this research provides insights into transparency in the use of theoretical frameworks in the LIS field. Transparency is essential because different researchers employ the terms theory, theoretical framework, and conceptual framework in various ways.The transparent use of theory and the resultant theoretical framework enables other researchers to assess whether the theory is appropriate, consistent, and coherent with the empirical evidence. This systematic search followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for reporting on systematic reviews supported by ADIMA®. A total number of 138 out of 2029 articles from 12 LIS-focused journals were analysed in March 2023. Most of the articles (88.6%) specified the framework they used. There was a high level of transparency in relation to the suitability of the theory to address the research problem. The degree of openness about the aim to utilise a theoretical or conceptual framework was moderate to high. The articles had a low or minimal level of transparency when it came to justifying why a certain theory was chosen for the study. Theory dropping was not apparent in the articles. The results from the articles demonstrate that LIS scholars appreciate that a theoretical framework or conceptual framework must be used in research. To ensure that readers understand the rationale behind the theories chosen for a study, it is necessary to be open about the reasons behind the selection of a particular theory. The explanation of how the theory contributed to explaining the phenomenon of interest is also essential. This article might help scholars get beyond theoretical obstacles related to the transparent use of a theoretical framework and produce theoretically sound research. It also opens discourse on “best practice” in the use of analytical tools forresearchin the advancement of knowledge.
- Research Article
- 10.37602/ijrehc.2024.5604
- Jan 1, 2024
- International Journal of Research in Education Humanities and Commerce
At the heart of any significant research endeavor lies the theoretical and conceptual framework, which serves as the guiding structure that shapes the study's objectives, methodology, and overall approach. By connecting research data back to the concepts and relationships outlined in the framework, researcher can derive meaningful insights and draw informed conclusions. The purpose of the curriculum evaluation is to assess the strengths and shortcomings of an existing curriculum so that improvements in curriculum design or content can be made. This, however, has not been the case in the Pakistani context and curricula often remain static for extended periods. This research aims to examine the curriculum of Education subject by designing theoretical framework applying the curriculum evaluation models. It helps to understand the evaluation procedure by developing the conceptual framework using the CIPP (Context, Input, Process, and Product) evaluation model developed by Stufflebeam (1971). The discussion highlights the significance of theoretical and conceptual framework in curriculum evaluation and researchers would be able to design these frameworks in social sciences. The findings would be beneficial for novice investigators in taking steps for selecting appropriate theoretical framework that will help to proceed the steps in curriculum evaluation and designing the conceptual framework.
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