What is a conceptual framework?

A conceptual framework typically involves the creation of a visual

diagram that shows the connection and interrelation of different
variables. This framework assists the researcher in drawing logical
conclusions from the available data and tests the causal relationships
that exist between different types of variables. The conceptual framework
explains the project's purpose and the question it seeks to answer.
Professional in education sector may use this framework to create
models that show the interrelation of different problems within their
industries. The conceptual framework acts as a map that guides the
researcher's actions.

How to make a conceptual framework

Learning how to make a conceptual framework can help you improve

your research project. There are various steps you can follow to create a
conceptual framework, including:

1. Select a topic

Consider your area of expertise, specialization, interests, and personal

goals when selecting a topic. You may outline a list of possible topics
before making a final selection. Analyze your available resources and
ensure they're sufficient for the project. If you're working with a short
deadline, consider choosing topics that may be less cumbersome. You
may also consider the opinions of your mentors and colleagues when
choosing a topic to ensure that you make an appropriate decision. It may
also be helpful to be specific when selecting topics, to limit and efficiently
manage your project's scope.
2. Create a research question

Analyze the topic, and conduct significant research to gain a deep

understanding of the subject. By doing more research, you can identify
the challenges within the subject. Highlight questions during your study,
as they may form part of the research problem. Ensure that the question
is specific, clear, and understandable. The research question forms the
project's foundation and guides the studies, surveys, and investigations
you may conduct. Choose a question that interests you and caters to your
curiosity. It can act as a motivator that helps you remain consistent with
the project.

3. Review the available literature

Conduct preliminary research to discover the available literature and

reports on your research problem. You might ask your colleagues,
mentors, and other professionals to recommend sources that may aid
you. Visiting academic libraries may also help you discover more material
and resources for the project. Ensure that you prioritize peer-reviewed
and recognized academic journals as materials that influence your
research. It's important for these materials and resources to relate to the
research question.

Analyzing the publications of other researchers also helps you identify

the strengths and weaknesses of their experiments and studies. You may
adopt their helpful strategies while conducting your research.

4. Identify the variables

While reviewing the available literature and material, identify the

variables essential to the study. These studies may explicitly state the
variables or may require you to check them yourself. There may be
independent and dependent variables in the research study. An
independent variable is one you can manipulate, as it's unaffected by the
changes in other variables.
A dependable variable relies on other variables, and its value may change
in response to theirs. There may be numerous variables in the research
materials, but it's important that you select the essential ones. Too many
variables might make the conceptual framework confusing. Select the
vital variables, consider their connections, and determine how they fit
into the research project.

5. Outline the relationships

After selecting your variables, study their relationships with one another.
Using the available literature and academic material, define the
connections and similarities between the different variables. You may
emphasize causal relationships that may form part of the conclusion. This
step is crucial in creating your conceptual framework, so it's essential that
you analyze the variables correctly. You may use visual maps and other
tools to show the relations between different theories, variables, and
factors of the research problem. Statistical analysis may be essential in
proving these interrelations.

6. Design the framework

List your variables and their interrelations before you design the
conceptual framework. Refer to your research problem or thesis
statement to help ensure that your framework is relevant to the theme of
your project. Select an illustration theme for your conceptual framework.
These themes may differ based on the research project's content and
goal. For example, the quantitative research model uses arrows and
linear illustrations to show the connections between variables. You may
use arrows in your conceptual framework to show direct relationships
between two variables. If there are multiple variables, you may draw
interconnecting lines between them.

Benefits of making a conceptual framework

Here are common benefits of learning how to make a conceptual
framework and utilizing it in your research:
Provides a definite expectation

Using the conceptual framework for a research project allows you to

clarify its goals. The framework shows the relationship and links between
different variables in the study. It typically gives the researcher an idea of
the expected outcome. This guides the research, prevents mistakes, and
helps the researcher focus on the project goals.

Utilizing this framework before data collection ensures that the variables
align with the project's main purpose. It also allows you to use existing
literature and studies that can help inform the direction of your study.
This may help you plan your resources, materials, and necessary tools as
you understand the project's expectations.

Saves valuable time

The conceptual framework allows the researcher to organize their ideas

before conducting the study and analysis. It saves time and helps
researchers make their studies more coherent and easier to understand.
The framework allows researchers to use existing literature and similar
studies. This helps them save time by eliminating the need for new
experiments and surveys. Researchers can utilize others' techniques,
making their work easier. While using this framework, researchers can
discover additional information early, improving their research quality.

Adds structure to the research

The conceptual framework provides an outline and definitive structure to

the research project. It gives consistency to the project and aids the
organization and cohesiveness of the research. The framework makes it
easier for researchers to prepare the different aspects of the project and
work on the introduction, body, and conclusion. It may also provide a
guideline for the project's scope and emphasis areas.
Conceptual vs. theoretical framework
The theoretical framework broadly describes the relationship between
significant theories to an idea or research problem. It involves outlining
the materials and theories that affirm your research conclusion. Unlike
the theoretical framework, the conceptual framework is more specific, as
it shows the variables relating to the project and provides a clear outline
of the researcher's steps.

Researchers typically use the theoretical framework for quantitative

research projects and the conceptual framework for qualitative projects.
The theoretical framework focuses on the historical aspect of the
research problem. Both theories aid individuals in understanding a thesis
and forming conclusions, and they help in making the research results
more reliable.

What is the length of a conceptual framework?

A conceptual framework is usually concise. Researchers typically include

it as a part of a central research report or publication. It may be one to
two pages, but it can also be more extensive if necessary. You may revise
this framework to ensure that it's accurate and relevant before
submitting it.

What is input in a conceptual framework?

Input in a conceptual framework describes the variables that form the

basis of the framework. These are the variables that researchers analyze
to develop their theories and conclusions. The independent variables are
usually the main input values of any research project. They significantly
influence the final conclusion.

What can a researcher include in the conceptual framework?

There are usually different sections of a conceptual framework. The

research topic, thesis statements, and visual diagrams form the
framework. These sections also include tested theories from other
researchers. Academics in the social and behavioural sciences usually
utilize this model in presenting their reports on different research
problems.