1. Theoretical Framework and Conceptual Framework: Rudiments of A Good Research
Dickson Adom

2. What is a Theoretical Framework
It is the ‘blueprint’ or guide for a research (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). It is ‘borrowed’ by the researcher to build his/her own house.
It serves as the foundation upon which a research is constructed.
Sinclair (2007) compares the role of the theoretical framework to that of a map or travel plan.
Brondizio, Leemans, and Solecki (2014) contend that it is the specific theory or theories about aspects of human endeavour that can be useful to the study of events.

3. What is a Theoretical Framework
All aspects of the dissertation research should connect to the theoretical framework (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
The relevant theory or theories that underpin the knowledge base of the phenomenon to be researched.
It consists of theoretical principles, constructs, concepts, and tenants of a theory (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
Make a unique application of the selected theory so as to apply the theoretical constructs to his/her dissertation study.

4. Importance of Theoretical Framework in Research
It provides the structure to define how a researcher defines his/her study philosophically, epistemologically, methodology and analytically (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
It normally serves as the focus for the research study and it is linked to the research problem under study.

5. Importance of Theoretical Framework in Research
It guides a researcher’s choice of research design and data analysis plan.
It provides a common worldview or lens from which to support one’s thinking on the problem and analysis of data (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
The theoretical framework guides and must resonates with every aspect of the research (Statement of the problem, Literature Review, Methodology, Presentation and Discussion of Findings).

6. Importance of Theoretical Framework in Research
The theoretical framework guides the kind of data to be collected (Lester, 2005).
Simon and Goes (2011) as well as Maxwell (2004) avers that theoretical frameworks deepen the essence of the study.
It convinces readers that the study is not based on the personal instincts of the researcher but rather on established theory gathered via credible studies.

7. Examples of Theoretical Framework
Transformational Theory
Culture Theory
Cognitive Theory
Gender Theory
Behavioral Theory
Developmental Theory
Human Environment Relations Theory
Culture Ecology Theory
Culture Determinism Theory

8. How To Construct a Theoretical Framework
There is no one perfect or right theory for a dissertation, though certain theories are popular (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
The theory must reflect the understanding of the researcher regarding the study and must direct the study (Simon & Goes, 2011).
The selection of a theoretical framework requires a thorough understanding of the problem, purpose, significance and research questions of a study (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).

9. How To Construct a Theoretical Framework
The chosen theoretical framework must accentuate the purpose and importance of the study dissertation (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
Consider the guiding principles of the study and situate the problem in relation to a theoretical context.
The research questions of the study must entail noticeable aspects of the theoretical framework and must agree with the assertions promulgated by the theorists of the selected theory (Maxwell, 2004).

10. How To Construct a Theoretical Framework
The research findings accrued finally from the study may support, extend, or modify an existing theory that was borrowed for the study (Lester, 2005).
The researcher may critique, develop and/or expand the theory that served as a guide for his/her study vis-à-vis the findings gleaned from the study (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
Munhall and Chenail (2008) contend that this should be done at the data analysis stage.

11. How To Construct a Theoretical Framework
Using Grant and Osanloo (2014) checklist to identify the suitable theoretical framework for a study:
What discipline will the theory be applied to?
Does the theory agree with the methodology plan for the study?
Is the theory to be selected well developed with many theoretical constructs?
Have specific concepts or theoretical principles been selected to meet the objectives of the study?

12. How To Construct a Theoretical Framework
5. Does the problem of the study, the purpose and importance of the study correlates with the theoretical framework? 6. Can the theory be used hand in hand with the research questions for the study? 7. Does the theoretical framework inform the literature review? 8. Does the data analysis plan agrees with the selected theoretical framework? 9. Does the theoretical framework undergirds the conclusions and recommendations based on the data analysis?

13. How To Construct a Theoretical Framework
Simon and Goes (2011) also suggest some points that can help articulate the theory for an informed research:
The main concern for inquiry in the research
The key variables in the research
Read and review current related literature on the topic using key word search.
List the constructs and variables that might be relevant for the study.
Consider how the variables are related to the theory

14. How To Construct a Theoretical Framework
6. Revise the search and add the word ‘theory’ to the key words to find the theories and theorists most in line with the thinking of the researcher. 7. Discuss the propositions of each theory and highlight its relevance to the research. 8. Consider alternative theories that challenges the perspectives of the researcher. 9. Consider the limitations associated with the selected theory which the problem to be investigated can help address or provide logic explanations.

15. Where To Place The Theoretical Framework in A Thesis
The student must select and clarify a theoretical framework from the time the dissertation topic is initially conceptualized (Dooyeweerd as cited in Sire, 2004).
Staunch researchers profess that the researcher’s choice of a theory must be stated explicitly early in the writing of a dissertation (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
Mertens (1998) argues that the theoretical framework influence every decision made by the researcher in the carrying out of the research.

16. What is Conceptual Framework
Conceptual framework is a structure which the researcher believes could best explain the natural progression of the phenomenon to be studied (Camp, 2001).
It offers a logical structure of connected concepts that help provide a picture or visual display of how ideas in a study relate to one another (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
It assists the researcher to specify and define the concepts within the problem of the study (Luse, Mennecke & Townsend, 2012).

17. What is Conceptual Framework
It represents an integrated way of looking at a problem under study (Liehr & Smith, 1999).
It is seen as an outline of courses of action or preferred approach to a thought to be carried out in a research study (Dixon, Gulliver & Gibbon, 2001).
Miles and Huberman (1994, p.18) opine that conceptual frameworks can be ‘graphical or in a narrative form showing the key variables or constructs to be studied and the presumed relationships between them’.

18. Importance of Conceptual Framework in Research
It aids the researcher to identify and construct his/her worldview and approach to the topic of study (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
It brings together related concepts to explain or predict a given event or give a detailed understanding of the research problem and its asserted solution (Liehr & Smith, 1999).
It accentuates the reasons why a research topic is worth studying, the assumptions of a researcher, the scholars s/he agrees with and disagrees with and how s/he conceptually grounds his/her approach (Evans, 2007).

19. How To Construct a Conceptual Framework
Mostly, diagrams are created to clearly define the constructs or variables of the research topic and their relationships are shown by the use of arrows.
Researchers are at liberty to adopt existing frameworks, but have to modify it to suit the nature of the context of their research as well as the nature of their research questions (Fisher, 2007).
Fisher adds that a good conceptual framework must also be expressed in writing for it to be understood clearly.

20. Differences Between Theoretical Framework and Conceptual Framework
Theoretical framework is curled from an existing theory or theories in the literature that has already been tested and validated by others and is considered as an acceptable theory in the scholarly literature (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
Conceptual framework is the researcher’s understanding of how the research problem will be explored, the specific direction the research will have to take, and the relationship between the different variables in the study.

21. Differences Between Theoretical Framework and Conceptual Framework
While a whole theory may serve as one’s theoretical framework, a conceptual framework is carefully put together in the form of a conceptual model and immediately applied to a particular study (Liehr & Smith, 1999).
Theoretical framework is derived from a theory while conceptual framework is derived from concepts.

22. Where To Place The Conceptual Framework in A Thesis
Since the theoretical perspectives of the main variables or constructs of a study are rigorously reviewed in chapter two of a thesis, the conceptual framework are mostly placed in the chapter two.

23. Culture Theory
Propounded by Milton (1996) postulates that the views of any individual on matters are shaped by their social group and cultural practices (Tansey & O’riordan, 1999).
Understanding the value systems of these practices of people can give practical insights and help environmentalists make intelligent decisions concerning the conservation and sustainability (Serrat, 2008).
CULTURE THEORY
VALUE SYSTEMS OF CULTURE
ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE SUCH AS ENVIRONMENT ISSUES

24. Culture Determinism Theory
It was propounded by the German/American Anthropologist Franz Boas in 1920.
Posits that the emotional and behavioural patterns of man is formed and molded entirely by their culture. Cultural factors fully determine environmental activities (Teasley, 2003).
It discusses how the study of culture can help environmentalists to a better understanding of human ecology and a more informed discourse on the search for sustainable ways of living.
CULTURE DETERMINISM THEORY
CULTURAL FACTORS
ENVIRONMENT

25. Pandey (2000)

26. Pandey’s (2000) Conservation of Biodiversity in Landscape Continuum Conceptual Framework
There is a strong link between the biodiversity not just in the Protected Areas but also the landscape continuum with the cultural practices of a people.
Traditional conservation ethos is reflected in cultural practices such as sacred groves, taboos, ceremonies and religious beliefs.
Traditional conservation ethos in the cultural practices is still capable of protecting the decimating biodiversity.

27. Conceptual Framework for the Study
Conservation of Ghana’s biodiversity
Develop traditional biodiversity conservation strategy
Scientific biodiversity conservation strategy
Philosophical Underwritings of Conservation values and Ethos
Asante Cultural and Artistic Practices
Usage and Conservation of Ghana’s Biodiversity
Proverbs
Festivals
Taboos
Cosmological Beliefs

28. Conceptual Framework for the study
The Asante cultural and artistic practices have a strong relationship with the usage of Ghana’s biodiversity.
The traditional conservation ethos enshrined in the cultural and artistic practices still hold great worth in the conservation of biodiversity in modern societies.
Believes traditional biodiversity strategy can be developed from those conservation ethos to complement the scientific models of conservation popularly used in Ghana.

29. Thank you

30. References
Lester, F. (2005). On the Theoretical, Conceptual and Philosophical Foundations for Research in Mathematics Education. ZDM, 37(6), Camp, W.G. (2001). Formulating and Evaluating Theoretical Frameworks for Career and Technical Education Research. Journal of Vocational Educational Research, 26(1), Maxwell, J. (2004). Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Munhall, P. & Chenail, R. (2008). Qualitative Research Proposals and Reports: A Guide (3rd ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Luse, A., Mennecke, B., & Townsend, A. (2012). Selecting a Research Topic: A Framework for Doctoral Students. International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 7, Mertens, D. (1998). Research Methods in Education and Psychology: Integrating Diversity with Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. Thousand Oaks: Sage.

31. References
Sire, J. (2004). Naming the Elephant: Worldview as a Concept. Downers Grove, IL: InterVasity. Grant, C. & Osanloo, A. (2014). Understanding, Selecting, and Integrating a Theoretical Framework in Dissertation Research: Creating the Blueprint for your ‘House’. Administrative Issues Journal, Vol. 4, Issue 2. Simon, K.M. & Goes, J. (2011). Developing a Theoretical Framework. (accessed 12/02/2017).