1. Theoretical Framework and Hypothesis Formulation
Madhav Raj Koirala, PhD
Professor
Tribhuvan University

2. Theoretical Framework
A collection of interrelated concepts, like a theory but not necessarily so well worked-out.
It guides research, determining what things to be measured, and what statistical relationships the researcher will look 

3. Significance of the Theoretical Framework
Evaluating the research critically
Connecting the researcher to existing knowledge
Providing basis for hypotheses and choice of research methods
Specify which key variables influence a research issue of interest
Helping to generalize various aspects of research issue

4. Research Questions (Example)
Does TQM a positive or native impact on job satisfaction?
Does the way that TQM is introduced have an influence on the nature of its impact on job satisfaction?
Does the effect of TQM on Job satisfaction vary by level in the org?

5. Theoretical Framework
TQM
(Concept)
Job Satisfaction
(Concept)

6. Theoretical Framework
Independent Variables
Dependent Variables
TQM
Training
Teamwork
Commitment
Recognition
Job Satisfaction
Pay
Job (challenging)
Autonomy
Supervision
Level of Employees
Moderating Variables

7. Variables
Variable is anything that takes values, which may change over time
A variable is a logical set of attributes
Age is an attribute that can be operationalized in many ways
It can be dichotomized so that only two values - "old" and "young" - are allowed for further data processing. In this case the attribute "age" is operationalized as a binary variable.
If more than two values are possible and they can be ordered, the attribute is represented by ordinal variable, such as "young", "middle age", and "old".
Next it can be made of rational values, such as 1, 2,

8. Types of Research Variables
Dependent Variables
Independent variables
Moderating Variables
Mediating/Intervening Variables

9. Formulating Hypotheses
A hypothesis is a conjectured guess about the solution to the research problem
It is a declarative sentence.
It states the relationship between variables in a manner to test it.
“A hypothesis is a conjectural statement of the relation between two or more variables”. (Kerlinger, 1956)
“Hypothesis is a formal statement that presents the expected relationship between an independent and dependent variable.”(Creswell, 1994)

10. Qualities of a Good Hypothesis
A good hypothesis should always:
Explain what you expect to happen
Be clear and understandable
Be testable
Be measurable
And contain an independent and a dependent variable

11. How to Formulate a Hypothesis
Research question
Theoretical Framework