You spent time searching for and reviewing research articles related to your topic. Now, you are asked to spend time thinking about the theoretical or conceptual framework for your study. You may already have an idea of specific theories or concepts that relate to your topic. If so, you should begin thinking about what pieces, or aspects of the theories or concepts, relate the most to your topic and provide the basis for your study. If not, you should spend some time reviewing research articles that include one or more of the same variables you are using and identify the theoretical or conceptual frameworks those authors used. Doing so will give you an idea of how specific theories or concepts may be used as the basis for your study.

Review the Dissertation Prospectus Guide and pay particular attention to Quality Indicator 4: Is the problem framed to enable the researcher to either build on or counter the previously published findings on the topic? Also, revisit the Dissertation Minimum Standards Rubric available at the "Office of Student Research Administration: Ph.D. Dissertation Program" webpage, provided in this week's Learning Resources. With this information in mind, as well as any additional research that will help inform your selection, determine the theoretical and/or conceptual framework that you intend to use. You are advised to give serious thought to this task. This theory or framework will be the lens through which you view the entire research project.

Brief description of your dissertation topic. Explain at least one theory or conceptual framework and its relationship to your topic, including why you believe it would be the most appropriate framework to use. Support your response with citations from the research literature.