What is the Difference Between Literature Review and Theoretical Framework

The main difference between literature review and theoretical framework is their function. The literature review explores what has already been written about the topic under study in order to highlight a gap, whereas the theoretical framework is the conceptual and analytical approach the researcher is going to take to fill that gap.

Literature review and theoretical framework are two indispensable components of research. Both are equally important for the foundation of a research study.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Literature Review
– Definition, Features
2. What is Theoretical Framework
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Literature Review and Theoretical Framework
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Literature Review, Research, Theoretical Framework

What is a Literature Review

A literature review is a vital component of a research study. A literature review is a discussion on the already existing material in the subject area. Thus, this will require a collection of published (in print or online) work concerning the selected research area. In other words, a literature review is a review of the literature in the related subject area. A literature review makes a case for the research study. It analyzes the existing literature in order to identify and highlight a gap in the literature.

Moreover, a good literature review is a critical discussion, displaying the writer’s knowledge of relevant theories and approaches and awareness of contrasting arguments. A literature review should have the following features (Caulley, 1992)

Compare and contrast different researchers’ views
Identify areas in which researchers are in disagreement
Group researchers who have similar conclusions
Criticize the methodology
Highlight exemplary studies
Highlight gaps in research
Indicate the connection between your study and previous studies
Indicate how your study will contribute to the literature in general
Conclude by summarizing what the literature indicates

Furthermore, the structure of a literature review is similar to that of an article or essay. Overall, literature reviews help researchers to evaluate the existing literature, identify a gap in the research area, place their study in the existing research and identify future research.

What is a Theoretical Framework

The theoretical framework is the research component that introduces and describes the theory that explains why the research problem under study exists. It is also the conceptual and analytical approach the researcher is going to take to fill the research gap identified by the literature review. Moreover, it is the structure that holds the structure of the research theory.

The researcher may not easily find the theoretical framework within the literature. Therefore, he or she may have to go through many research studies and course readings for theories and models relevant to the research problem under investigation. In addition, the theory must be selected based on its relevance, ease of application, and explanatory power.

Difference Between Literature Review and Theoretical Framework

Definition

A literature review is a critical evaluation of the existing published work in a selected research area, while a theoretical framework is a component in research that introduces and describes the theory behind the research problem.

Nature

Moreover, the literature review explores what has already been written about the topic under investigation in order to highlight a gap, whereas the theoretical framework is the conceptual and analytical approach the researcher is going to take to fill that gap. Therefore, a literature review is backwards-looking while theory framework is forward-looking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the main difference between literature review and theoretical framework is their function. The literature review explores what has already been written about the topic under study in order to highlight a gap, whereas the theoretical framework is the conceptual and analytical approach the researcher is going to take to fill that gap.

Reference:

1. Caulley, D. N. “Writing a critical review of the literature.” La Trobe University: Bundoora (1992).
2. “Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper: Theoretical Framework.” Research Guide.