Conceptual framework
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This document provides guidance on developing a conceptual framework. It defines a conceptual framework as representing a researcher's synthesis of literature to explain a phenomenon and maps out required actions. A conceptual framework identifies the key variables and how they relate based on a literature review. It sets the stage for a research question aimed at addressing a knowledge gap. The conceptual framework sits within a broader theoretical framework drawing from established theories. The document provides steps to develop a conceptual framework, including choosing a topic, conducting a literature review, isolating important variables, and generating the conceptual framework informed by the problem statement. An example framework on the effects of blue light on sleep is also included.
Conceptual framework
- 1. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: A STEP BY STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO MAKE ONE
- 2. Definition of Conceptual Framework A conceptual framework represents the researcher’s synthesis of literature on how to explain a phenomenon. It maps out the actions required in the course of the study given his previous knowledge of other researchers’ point of view and his observations on the subject of research.
- 3. In other words, the conceptual framework is the researcher’s understanding of how the particular variables in his study connect with each other. Thus, it identifies the variables required in the research investigation. It is the researcher’s “map” in pursuing the investigation.
- 4. As McGaghie et al. (2001) put it: The conceptual framework “sets the stage” for the presentation of the particular research question that drives the investigation being reported based on the problem statement. The problem statement of a thesis presents the context and the issues that caused the researcher to conduct the study.
- 5. The conceptual framework lies within a much broader framework called theoretical framework. The latter draws support from time-tested theories that embody the findings of many researchers on why and how a particular phenomenon occurs.
- 6. Step by Step Guide on How to Make the Conceptual Framework 1. Choose your topic. Decide on what will be your research topic. The topic should be within your field of specialization.
- 7. Step by Step Guide on How to Make the Conceptual Framework 2. Do a literature review. Review relevant and updated research on the theme that you decide to work on after scrutiny of the issue at hand. Preferably use peer- reviewed and well-known scientific journals as these are reliable sources of information.
- 8. Step by Step Guide on How to Make the Conceptual Framework 3. Isolate the important variables. Identify the specific variables described in the literature and figure out how these are related. Some abstracts contain the variables and the salient findings
- 9. Step by Step Guide on How to Make the Conceptual Framework thus may serve the purpose. If these are not available, find the research paper’s summary. If the variables are not explicit in the summary, get back to the methodology or the results and discussion section and quickly identify the variables of the study and the significant findings.
- 10. Step by Step Guide on How to Make the Conceptual Framework 4. Generate the conceptual framework. Build your conceptual framework using your mix of the variables from the scientific articles you have read. Your problem statement serves as a reference in
- 11. Step by Step Guide on How to Make the Conceptual Framework constructing the conceptual framework. In effect, your study will attempt to answer a question that other researchers have not explained yet. Your research should address a knowledge gap.
- 12. Example of a Conceptual Framework 1. Thesis statement: Chronic exposure to blue light from LED screens (of computer monitors and television) deplete melatonin levels thus reduce the number of sleeping hours among middle-aged adults.
- 13. The study claims that blue light from the light emitting diodes (LED) inhibit the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and wake cycles. Those affected experience insomnia; they sleep less than required (usually less than six hours), and this happens when they spend too much time working on their laptops or viewing the television at night.
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Editor's Notes
- #2: The conceptual framework steers the whole research activity. The conceptual framework serves as a “map” or “rudder” that will guide you towards realizing the objectives or intent of your study.