Review Article

Constructing theoretical frameworks in social science research

Gerrit van der Waldt
The Journal for Transdisciplinary Research in Southern Africa | Vol 20, No 1 | a1468 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/td.v20i1.1468 | © 2024 Gerrit van der Waldt | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 29 April 2024 | Published: 14 August 2024

About the author(s)

Gerrit van der Waldt, Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa

Abstract

Theoretical frameworks generally serve as the intellectual scaffolding that underpins research processes in the social sciences, providing an analytical lens through which researchers make sense of complex social phenomena.

This article is an exploration of the fundamental role of theoretical frameworks in social science research. Firstly, it sheds light on its ontological, epistemological and methodological design imperatives, beginning with an elucidation of the concept of theoretical frameworks within the realm of social science research. Secondly, the significance of integrating theoretical frameworks in the research process is analysed, with an emphasis on the fact that it enhances the rigour and clarity of scholarly inquiry by guiding researchers when formulating research questions and hypotheses and in the interpretation of research findings.

It conducts a literature review following an abstract conceptual design in an interpretivist research paradigm.

Steps are proposed that can be followed when constructing a theoretical framework, using the construct ‘poverty’ as example.

Since social science research deals with intricate and multifaceted social phenomena, theoretical frameworks provide researchers with a structured lens through which they can make sense of this complexity, offering a systematic way to organise and analyse data and observations. They also ensure that the study is focussed and aligned with existing knowledge and relevant theories.

Transdisciplinary contribution: The significance of inter-, multi- and transdisciplinarity in the construction of theoretical frameworks in social science research are expounded by accentuating the ways in which knowledge domains and methodologies of multiple disciplines create a comprehensive understanding of complex social phenomena.

 


Keywords

theory; theoretical frameworks; social science; research; poverty; interdisciplinarity; transdisciplinarity; ideology; paradigms; concepts; constructs

JEL Codes

I20: General; I30: General; Y80: Related Disciplines

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 4: Quality education

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