#35 Differences between a PhD Literature Review and Theoretical Framework

Read time: 5 min.

A few years ago, I had no idea what a theoretical framework was.

And I didn’t know how it was different from a literature review.

I know I am/was not the only one.

Many of the PhD candidates I speak to face the same issue.

Here, I want to clarify how these two chapters differ and how to approach them.

One good way to think about the differences between these two sections is with time:

1. The literature review looks back: Justify your research

It focuses on what has already been written about your topic.

The literature review examines existing knowledge to identify gaps.

These are the gaps you will address.

Your role is to be critical of what we know about your topic of interest.

Mention what is missing, and show that your project is the solution to this/these gaps.

For instance, you point out flaws, inconsistencies, or gaps.

Then you show why these gaps are worth exploring. And this leads to your research questions.

A good analogy:

Think of this like a company trying to design a new car.

Before they can innovate, they need to understand the shortcomings of existing cars.

It’s the same way with your literature review.

You need to demonstrate that you understand the existing knowledge in your field.

But also show where it is lacking (the research gaps).

In short, the literature review is where you show what’s wrong with the current understanding of your topic.

And how your research will address these issues.

2. The theoretical framework looks forward: Guiding Your Research

The theoretical framework is about how you plan to address the gaps identified in your literature review.

One of my PhD supervisors asked me to see the theoretical framework as a toolbox.

You outline the different concepts and analytical tools you will use to gather and interpret your data.

It’s like a roadmap for how you will fill the gap in the literature with your research.

Your theoretical framework should clearly explain the lens through which you have done your research.

3. Why are PhD candidates confused?

The literature review and the theoretical framework can overlap.

For instance, you can discuss theories in your literature review. And you can review the literature in the framework section.

But keep in mind the different purposes of each section:

- In the literature review:

your goal is to critique the literature. And establish the gap your research will fill. Even when discussing theory.

- In the theoretical framework:

your primary focus is outlining the concepts you will use to address the research questions and analyze your data. You may also reference literature.

 Practical tip:

If you have doubts when writing, ask yourself these simple questions:

• Am I making the case for my research (-> literature review)?

• Or am I outlining how I will approach my research (-> theoretical framework)?

Two possible answers:

• If you’re focusing on what’s wrong with existing literature and why your research is needed, that content belongs in the literature review.

• If you’re detailing how you plan to conduct your research and interpret your findings, it’s part of the theoretical framework.

Well, that's all for this week.

For more in-depth guidance on writing your PhD literature review, check out my other posts.

Let us know in the comments if you have other suggestions.

As always, if you need clarification or assistance with your research projects, feel free to reach out to me, and I will respond.

See you next Sunday!

Jamal

My favorite things this week

1.  Helping a Masters student with a dissertation (Research question, structure, and flow).

2. Three sessions with a large Corporation in the Gulf Countries.

3. Discussions about talent identification and emerging topics in the Manufacturing industry.

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