Key Components of a Theoretical Framework

Name__________________________

This is a two-page statement of the theories and conceptual underpinnings that undergird your area of investigation.

COMPONENTS

[ ] Limit: Two pages not including endnotes (commentary and/or references) which elaborate on each statement or proposition within your framework.

[ ] Introductory paragraph indicates to the reader how your Theoretical Framework is organized

[ ] Statements (definitions, assumptions, propositions) which make up the Framework are introduced systemically and appropriately.

[ ] Supply endnotes which support and elaborate on each significant statement in your Theoretical Framework.

ALSO CONSIDER THESE QUALITIES

[ ] Argumentation and logic (justifies the soundness of your intended approach as a viable research area); should be internally consistent

[ ] Parsimony; brief as possible; not wordy; don't attempt to deal in too many classes of facts. Talk about one thing at a time.

[ ] Abstractness; work in principles not bogged down in concrete examples; may use metaphor

[ ] Clarity; say what you mean in a way others will agree that is what you said

[ ] External "validity"; does this framework have potential value to other theoretical and practical contexts

[ ] Add models or diagrams or metaphors if they would help you explain a statement

[ ] Content validity; have you adequately covered necessary knowledge bases?

[ ]Factual; free from errors; complete enough in scope

[ ]Reader-friendly and clearly written; neat; accurate grammar and punctuation. Avoids long, rambling sentences.

EDCI730: Theoretical Framework

Teacher name: Dr. Burton
Student Name ___________________

CATEGORY	4

Target

(Synthesis/Integration)	3

Acceptable

(Competent Understanding)	2

Needs Improvement

(Many Gaps Evident)	1

Unacceptable
Length	Same as Acceptable	Statement is limited to 2 pages, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, and an 11- or 12-point basic font. Endnotes and graphic attachments not counted as part of the 2 pages	One or two guidelines are not followed	Guidelines for statement length are not followed.
Title	Title is 15 words or less and clearly communicates the theoretic area	Title clearly communicates the focus of the framework but is more than 15 words	Title is within length limits, but does not clearly communicate the focus of the framework	Guidelines are not followed
Introduction	Introductory paragraph presents theoretical area and the organization of the framework	Introductory paragraph lacks clarity about one aspect of the framework's organization	Introduces the theoretical area OR the organization or the framework, but not both	Not focused on topic or task. Does not demonstrate rudimentary understanding
Definitions	All key terms are defined so the reader can navigate the framework	Defines most terms, definitions are adequate to help the reader	Many key terms not defined. The reader is left to wonder and wander.	Not focused on topic or task. Does not demonstrate rudimentary understanding
Assumptions	Identifies philosophical assumptions that are critical for the establishment of the theoretical framework	Identifies philosophical assumptions for the framework, but a few may be poorly defined or not needed	Philosophical assumptions not clearly defined and/or not relevant to the framework	Not focused on topic or task. Does not demonstrate rudimentary understanding
Propositions	Propositional statements are founded on other theories and/or research. Statements clearly communicate and are key to the framework.	Propositional statements may lack support from other theories or research. OR Some statements not clearly connected to the framework.	Propositional statements not clearly stated and/or not relevant to the framework	Not focused on topic or task. Does not demonstrate rudimentary understanding
Endnotes	Endnotes present references and/or important clarifying information.	A few endnotes not clearly connected to the framework or not necessary for the reader	Endnotes lack coherence ad relevance to the framework	Not focused on topic or task. Does not demonstrate rudimentary understanding
Logic/Flow	The piece is very well organized. One idea or argument follows another in a logical sequence with clear transitions.	The piece is pretty well organized. One idea or argument may seem out of place. Clear transitions are used.	The piece is a little hard to follow. The transitions are sometimes not clear. Ideas and arguments seem to be randomly arranged.	Not focused on topic or task. Does not demonstrate rudimentary understanding

Internal Consistency	Writing exhibits parsimony, internal connections, and personal voice	One of the features in column one is missing or two are weak	Items in column one are all missing or weak	Not focused on topic or task. Does not demonstrate rudimentary understanding
Factual/ Complete	There are no factual errors in the final draft. Complete in scope	There is one factual error in the final draft. Minor gaps in the document.	There are 2-3 factual errors in the final draft. Major gaps in the document.	The final draft has more than 3 factual errors.
Clearly Written	The statement is written in a reader-friendly manner that models clarity of expression. Uses short declarative sentences.	The statement is written in a reader-friendly manner. One or two sentences lack clarity of expression. Uses short declarative sentences.	Several sentences in the statement lack clarity of expression.

Expression of some ideas is confusing to the reader. Uses long, rambling sentences.	The statement does not promote reader understanding and/or is unclear in language use and expression. Uses long, rambling or run-on sentences.
Language Conventions	There are no spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors in the final draft.	There is one spelling, grammar, or punctuation error in the final draft.	There are 2-3 spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors in the final draft.	The final draft has more than 3 spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.
Date Created: 2003-07-24
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