Theoretical Foundations and Frameworks

Theoretical foundations or frameworks in Chapter 1 of a dissertation provide the conceptual underpinnings that guide and support the research. These frameworks consist of theories, models, or conceptual perspectives that help to format the research questions, shape the study's design, and interpret the findings. By grounding the research in established theoretical constructs, the theoretical foundations offer a structured lens through which the research problem can be examined and understood. This section typically reviews relevant theories and models from existing literature, highlighting how these frameworks relate to the research topic and contribute to the study’s objectives.
Theoretical foundations help to identify critical variables or concepts that will be explored, explain relationships between them, and provide a basis for developing hypotheses or research questions. They also assist in contextualizing the study within broader academic discourse, demonstrating how the research fits into and extends existing knowledge. By aligning the study with established theories, the framework ensures that the research is anchored in a solid academic context and provides a basis for interpreting results. Overall, the theoretical foundations or frameworks are essential for guiding the research process, justifying the research design, and enhancing the study's scholarly contribution.