viitekehys

Viitekehys, or reference framework, is a set of concepts, theories, and assumptions that provides a lens for analyzing a phenomenon and for guiding research. In Finnish academic writing, viitekehys functions as the structural backbone of a study, shaping the formulation of questions, the choice of methods, and the interpretation of findings. It helps authors locate their work within broader scholarly conversations and makes the reasoning transparent to readers.

A viitekehys typically comprises two elements: a theoretical framework and a conceptual framework. The theoretical framework draws on established theories to explain relationships between phenomena, while the conceptual framework outlines the key concepts and the anticipated connections among them, which may be represented as variables or constructs. Together, they delimit the scope of the study, specify assumptions, and indicate which aspects are examined and which are not.

Construction of a viitekehys usually starts with a literature review to identify relevant concepts and theories. The next step is to define and describe the core constructs, propose relationships or hypotheses, and explain how these guide data collection and analysis. The framework should align with the research questions and be adaptable to accommodate new insights during the study.

The viitekehys is important for interpretation and communication; it provides coherence, enables comparison with other work, and justifies methodological choices. Misalignment between the framework and data or over-generalization can undermine credibility, so it should be explicit, coherent, and well-justified. Related terms include theoretical framework and conceptual framework, which are often used interchangeably depending on discipline.