As I have been going through this semester I have struggled with the difference between theories, models and frameworks. I’m still unsure of the intricacies. The field of research is filled with complex terminologies including the concepts of theories, models, and frameworks. Thanks to Per Nilsen and his article, “Making sense of implementation theories, models and frameworks” I might be moving my understanding in the right directions.
Nilsen, P. Making sense of implementation theories, models and frameworks. Implementation Sci 10, 53 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-015-0242-0
A theory aims to explain and predict how and why things happen. Theories go deep, looking at factors that affect outcomes and the connections between them. For example, theories like the Social Cognitive Theory help explain how people make decisions and change their behaviour. Theories allow researchers to predict outcomes based on specific factors.
A model is more about describing a process than explaining it. Models simplify complicated systems and act like a road map, showing how to put research into practice. Models focus on “what to do” but not necessarily “why it works”
A framework provides a structure to organize and understand factors that influence an outcome. Frameworks group these factors and show how they relate to each other without explaining why they work.
Together, theories, models and frameworks make research both useful and meaningful.
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