Conceptual Framework in Research – Definition, Types and Procedure

December 21, 2024 | By Hitesh Bhasin

https://www.marketing91.com/conceptual-framework/

What is Conceptual Framework?

A conceptual framework is a description of an expected relationship between variables that are either
written or visual in nature. It is a visual depiction that depicts the expected connection between cause
and effect in a financial setting.

A conceptual framework depicts what you anticipate discovering as a result of your study. It specifies the
pertinent variables for your research and shows how they connect to one another. Before you
start collecting data, it’s a good idea to create a conceptual framework.

A conceptual framework is an analytical tool that is used to help organize and understand research. It
can be used to structure a research project or to analyze and communicate the results of that research.
Conceptual frameworks can be helpful in a number of ways:

1. They can provide a structure for organizing and understanding data.

2. They can help to identify relationships between different concepts.

3. They can be used to develop hypotheses or testable research questions.

4. They can help to communicate research results.

Understanding Conceptual frameworks

A conceptual framework is a set of ideas and concepts that are used to guide research. It helps
researchers to understand the relationships between different variables and to identify the key factors
that need to be studied in order to answer a research question.

The conceptual framework is also used to build theory. Theory building is the process of developing a
coherent set of concepts and ideas that can be used to explain how a phenomena works. By
understanding the relationships between different variables, researchers can develop theories that can
be used to predict behaviour or explain observed patterns.

The conceptual framework is an important tool for financial reporting. It provides a cause and effect
relationship between different elements of financial statements. This helps in problem solving and
assists in the preparation of accurate and timely financial reports.

The conceptual framework is a useful tool for all researchers, but it is particularly important in
qualitative studies. In these studies, the researcher is often trying to understand the complexities of
human behaviour. The conceptual framework can help to identify the key factors that need to be studied
in order to answer a research question.

Conceptual distinctions are the differences between two concepts or ideas. In financial reporting, a
conceptual distinction is often made between assets and liabilities. It is often used in problem solving
and qualitative study.
Conceptual Framework in Research

The Conceptual Framework is used to guide the researcher’s understanding of what has already been
done in their field of study, and how their specific study will contribute to the current body of
knowledge. It is a research map that provides direction to the researcher so that they can avoid
reinventing the wheel.

Purpose of Conceptual Framework

Strong conceptual frameworks are created for a number of reasons:

1. To map out the relationships between concepts in order to better understand them.

2. To provide a structure for organizing and understanding data.

3. To develop hypotheses or testable research questions.

4. To help communicate research results.

Origin of the Conceptual Framework

The term conceptual framework has its origins in philosophy and systems theory. It was first used in the
1930s by the philosopher Alfred North Whitehead. In the 1950s, the systems theorist Ludwig von
Bertalanffy introduced the concept of a “general systems theory.” This theory posited that all systems
have certain common characteristics that can be studied and understood.

While the term conceptual framework has been around for some time, it has only recently become
widely used in research. This is likely due to the increasing popularity of mixed-methods research, which
often requires the use of multiple theoretical frameworks.

Role of Variables in a Conceptual Framework

In order to create a conceptual framework, you will need to identify the variables that will be relevant to
your study. These variables can be divided into three categories: Control, Independent, and dependent
variables

1. Independent variables

These are the variables that you believe will have an effect on the dependent variable. In other words,
they are the variables that you are manipulating or testing.

2. Dependent variables

These are the variables that you believe will be affected by the independent variable. In other words,
they are the variables that you are measuring.

3. Control variables

These are variables that you believe could potentially affect the dependent variable, but that you are not
manipulating or testing. You will need to control for these variables in your study so that you can be
confident that any effects you observe are due to the independent variable.

Creating a Conceptual Framework

There are a number of different ways to create a conceptual framework. The method you choose will
depend on the nature of your research and the resources you have available.

1. One way to create a conceptual framework is to use a graphical technique, such as a mind map
or concept map. This can be a helpful way to visualize the relationships between concepts.

2. Second way to create a conceptual framework is to use a formal modeling language, such as
Unified Modeling Language (UML). This can be a helpful way to create a more precise and
detailed framework.

3. You can also create a conceptual framework using a table or matrix. This can be a helpful way to
organize and compare different concepts.

4. Fourth way to create a conceptual framework is to use a narrative technique, such as

storyboarding. This can be a helpful way to communicate your ideas to others.

5. Fifth way to create a conceptual framework is to use a software tool, such as ConceptDraw Pro.
This can be a helpful way to create a professional-looking framework.

No matter which technique you choose, there are a few things to keep in mind when creating your
conceptual framework.

1. First, make sure that your framework is clear and concise.

2. Second, make sure that your framework is grounded in theory.

3. Third, make sure that your framework is testable.

4. Fourth, make sure that your framework is flexible.

5. Fifth, make sure that your framework is accessible to your audience.

When to Use a Conceptual Framework?

There are a few different situations in which you might find it helpful to use a conceptual framework.

1. If you are conducting research in a new area, you may find it helpful to use a conceptual
framework to help you organize and understand the new concepts you are encountering.

2. If you are conducting mixed-methods research, you may find it helpful to use multiple
conceptual frameworks to help you understand the different perspectives of your data.

3. If you are working with a large amount of data, you may find it helpful to use a conceptual
framework to help you identify the most important variables and relationships.

4. If you are communicating your research to others, you may find it helpful to use a conceptual
framework to help you explain your ideas.

5. If you are teaching a course on research methods, you may find it helpful to use a conceptual
framework to help your students understand the research process.
Process of Creating a Conceptual Framework
To begin with, it is worth noting that a conceptual framework is a structure.
The researcher employs that architecture to explain the natural progression of
the issue to be investigated in the most effective way possible.

It’s linked to hypotheses, empirical research, and fundamental ideas

employed in systemizing and promoting knowledge obtained by the
investigator throughout the study. The procedure for creating a conceptual
framework includes the following steps-

1. Choosing your topic

The first step is to choose the topic of your research. This will help you focus
on the most important concepts and relationships.

2. Identifying key concepts

The next step is to identify the key concepts in your research. These are the
concepts that you will need to define in your framework.

3. Doing a literature review

The next step is to do a literature review. This will help you understand how
the key concepts have been used in previous research.

4. Earmarking the important variables

After that, you need to earmark the important variables (dependent and
independent variables in research) in your research. These are the variables
that you will need to measure in your study.

5. Expanding your conceptual framework by identifying other variables

The next research step is to identify other variables that may be important to
your study. These are the variables that you will need to control for in your
study. Such variables can be mediator, moderator, or control variables.
6. Revising your conceptual framework

The final step is to revise your conceptual framework. This will help you
ensure that your framework is clear, concise, and testable.

Types of Conceptual Frameworks

1. Taxonomy Framework

A taxonomy framework is a framework that organizes ideas into categories. This can be helpful when you
are working with a large amount of data. As a conceptual framework, a taxonomy can help you identify
the most important variables and relationships.

The taxonomies proposed by Barrett (1968) Taxonomy of Comprehension, the reading process
descriptions of Fries (1962), or Lefevre (1964), and curriculum guides’ and basic reader guidebooks’ lists
of reading objectives are all examples.

2. Conceptual Model

A conceptual model is a framework that shows the relationships between variables. This can be helpful
when you are trying to understand how different variables interact with each other. As a conceptual
framework, a conceptual model can help you understand the cause and effect of different variables.

The Conceptual Model of Reading by Anderson, Hiebert, Scott, and Wilkinson (1985), the Conceptual
Model of Writing by Bereiter and Scardamalia (1987), or the Conceptual Model of Mathematics by
Carpenter, Fennema, Franke, Levi, Empson (1988) are all examples of conceptual models.

3. Visual representation

A visual representation is a framework that shows the relationships between variables using a graph or a
diagram. This can be helpful when you are trying to understand how different variables interact with
each other. As a conceptual framework, a visual representation can help you understand the cause and
effect of different variables.

It shows the relationships between the independent variable (IV), the dependent variable (DV), and the
mediating variable (MV). In this study, the IV is teacher’s use of Facebook, the DV is student’s academic
performance, and the MV is student’s engagement in class.

4. Mathematical description

A mathematical description is a framework that uses equations to show the relationships between
variables. This can be helpful when you are trying to understand how different variables interact with
each other. As a conceptual framework, a mathematical description can help you understand the cause
and effect of different variables.

This is a method of depicting phenomena in terms of mathematical equations, although verbal

description and pictorial representation are also feasible.

5. Working hypothesis
A working hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. This can be helpful when you are
trying to understand how different variables interact with each other. As a conceptual framework, a
working hypothesis can help you understand the cause and effect of different variables.

A working hypothesis is an educated guess about the relationship between two or more variables. It is
based on observations and data, but it has not been proven yet. A working hypothesis can be wrong.

6. Descriptive categories

Descriptive categories are a way of organizing data into groups. This can be helpful when you are
working with a large amount of data. As a conceptual framework, descriptive categories can help you
identify the most important variables and relationships.

Descriptive categories are not theories. They are simply a way of grouping data so that it can be
analyzed.

7. Pillar questions

Pillar questions are a set of questions that you can use to guide your research. This can be helpful when
you are trying to understand how different variables interact with each other. As a conceptual
framework, pillar questions can help you understand the cause and effect of different variables.

Pillar questions are a way of narrowing down your research so that you can focus on the most important
variables and relationships.

8. Practical type

A practical type of conceptual framework is one that you can use to guide your research. This can be
helpful when you are trying to understand how different variables interact with each other. As a
conceptual framework, a practical type can help you understand the cause and effect of different
variables.

A practical type of conceptual framework is one that you can use to guide your research. This can be
helpful when you are trying to understand how different variables interact with each other. As a
conceptual framework, a practical type can help you understand the cause and effect of different
variables.

9. Models of operations research

Models of operations research are a type of conceptual framework that uses mathematical equations to
show the relationships between variables. This can be helpful when you are trying to understand how
different variables interact with each other.

Models of operations research might assist you in determining the reason and consequence of various
variables as a theoretical framework.

10. Formal hypothesis

A formal hypothesis is a statement that can be tested. This can be helpful when you are trying to
understand how different variables interact with each other. As a conceptual framework, a formal
hypothesis can help you understand the cause and effect of different variables.
A formal hypothesis is an educated guess about the relationship between two or more variables. It is
based on observations and data, but it has not been proven yet. A formal hypothesis can be wrong.

How to Use a Conceptual Framework

Once you have created your conceptual framework, you can use it to guide your research. This can be
helpful when you are trying to understand how different variables interact with each other. As a
conceptual framework, you can use it to understand the cause and effect of different variables.

You can also use your conceptual framework to create hypotheses. This can be helpful when you are
trying to understand how different variables interact with each other. As a conceptual framework, you
can use it to understand the cause and effect of different variables.

Conceptual vs Theoretical Framework

A conceptual framework is different from a theoretical framework. A conceptual framework is a way of

organizing data into groups. This can be helpful when you are working with a large amount of data. As a
conceptual framework, descriptive categories can help you identify the most important variables and
relationships.

A theoretical framework is a set of theories that you use to guide your research. This can be helpful
when you are trying to understand how different variables interact with each other. As a theoretical
framework, models of operations research can help you understand the cause and effect of different
variables.

The main difference between a conceptual framework and a theoretical framework is that a conceptual
framework is used to organize data while a theoretical framework is used to understand how different
variables interact with each other.

Conceptual frameworks can be helpful when you are working with a large amount of data. This is
because they can help you identify the most important variables and relationships. Conceptual
frameworks can also be helpful when you are trying to understand how different variables interact with
each other. Theoretical frameworks can be helpful when you are trying to understand how different
variables interact with each other.

Conclusion!

On the concluding note, it can be stated that a Conceptual framework is a way to practically understand
how different variables interact with each other. It helps in both organizing data (for a large project) and
understanding theoretical relationships between different variables.

Conceptual frameworks can be helpful when you are working with a large amount of data. This is
because they can help you identify the most important variables and relationships. Conceptual
frameworks can also be helpful when you are trying to understand how different variables interact with
each other.

What do you think? Do you have any experience with using Conceptual frameworks in your research? Let
us know in the comments below!