Exploring postgraduate students’ understanding and integration of a theoretical framework

Background: The integration of a theoretical framework is a fundamental component of postgraduate research, as it provides conceptual grounding, guides data analysis, and strengthens scholarly argumentation. However, many postgraduate students struggle to understand, select, and meaningfully integrate theoretical frameworks into their research projects. Objectives: This study explored postgraduate students’ understanding of theoretical frameworks and examined how they integrate them into their research. Method: The study employed a qualitative case study research design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews from postgradaute (masters and doctoral) students at a South African university. The data were analysed thematically to identify recurring patterns related to students’ conceptual understanding and application of theory. Results: The study found that many postgraduate students have a limited and fragmented understanding of theoretical frameworks. Although they can define theoretical frameworks in general terms, they struggle to justify their selection of a specific theory and to integrate it consistently across their research design, data analysis, and discussion. Conclusion: The study concludes that postgraduate students require more structured and explicit guidance in conceptualising and applying theoretical frameworks. Strengthening theoretical literacy is essential for enhancing the coherence, depth, and academic rigour of postgraduate research. Contribution: This study contributes to scholarship on postgraduate research development by highlighting gaps in students’ theoretical integration and recommending targeted pedagogical interventions, including enhanced research methodology training and supervisor support, to improve theoretical engagement in postgraduate studies.